Rome Jewish District, Old Ghetto & Trastevere Tour

The Jewish community of Rome is the oldest in the Western world, dating back to the 2nd century B.C. At the foot of Capitoline Hill, the Ghetto was created between 1555 and 1870, where the Jewish people were forced to live. Shortly after Rome became the capital of Italy, the old Ghetto was dismantled and the Jewish people were granted citizenship.

Between 1901 and 1904 a monumental temple, the Great Synagogue, was built to celebrate the event, and it is still the main Jewish temple in Rome. The district is a landmark for the Jewish people with shops and kosher restaurants. You will cross the Fabricio Bridge (62 B.C.), the oldest bridge left in Rome, and reach Tiber Island and Trastevere.

The district developed on the right bank of the river as an area for merchants, sailors, fishermen and foreigners. Trastevere looks like a maze of narrow, winding streets and it maintains its old character with its cobblestone streets lined with ancient houses.

The Jewish community of Rome is the oldest in the Western world, dating back to the 2nd century B.C. At the foot of Capitoline Hill, the Ghetto was created between 1555 and 1870, where the Jewish people were forced to live. Shortly after Rome became the capital of Italy, the old Ghetto was dismantled and the Jewish people were granted citizenship.

Between 1901 and 1904 a monumental temple, the Great Synagogue, was built to celebrate the event, and it is still the main Jewish temple in Rome. The district is a landmark for the Jewish people with shops and kosher restaurants. You will cross the Fabricio Bridge (62 B.C.), the oldest bridge left in Rome, and reach Tiber Island and Trastevere.

The district developed on the right bank of the river as an area for merchants, sailors, fishermen and foreigners. Trastevere looks like a maze of narrow, winding streets and it maintains its old character with its cobblestone streets lined with ancient houses.

Rome is a city rich in history, culture, and cuisine, and nowhere is this more evident than in its Jewish district, also known as the Ghetto. The Jewish district of Rome is one of the oldest and most authentic areas of the city, where you can discover the fascinating story of the Roman Jews, admire their artistic and architectural heritage, and taste their delicious and unique dishes. In this blog post, we will guide you through the main attractions, hidden gems, and best restaurants of the Jewish district of Rome, and show you why you should not miss this amazing neighborhood on your next trip to the Eternal City.

The History of the Jewish District of Rome
The Jewish district of Rome is located in the Rione Sant’Angelo, near the Tiber river and the Theatre of Marcellus. The Jewish community of Rome is probably the oldest in the world outside of the Middle East, dating back to the 2nd century BC, when the first Jews arrived in Rome as envoys, merchants, or slaves¹ The Jews lived peacefully in Rome for many centuries, enjoying the protection of the emperors and the popes, and contributing to the city’s economy, culture, and society.

However, things changed drastically in 1555, when Pope Paul IV issued a papal bull that confined the Jews to a walled ghetto, where they had to endure harsh living conditions, discrimination, and persecution² The ghetto was a small and overcrowded area, prone to flooding and disease, where the Jews had to pay a high rent and a special tax, and were subject to many restrictions and humiliations, such as wearing a yellow badge, attending compulsory sermons, and having their synagogues demolished³

The ghetto lasted until 1870, when Rome became part of the newly unified Italy, and the Jews were granted citizenship and civil rights. The walls of the ghetto were torn down, and the Jews were free to live and work anywhere in the city. However, the Jewish district of Rome still retains its identity and character, as many Jews chose to stay in the area or return to it after the Holocaust, which decimated the community during the Nazi occupation.

Today, the Jewish district of Rome is a vibrant and lively neighborhood, where you can still find traces of the ghetto’s history, as well as witness the modern life of the Roman Jews, who are proud of their heritage and traditions.

The Culture and Art of the Jewish District of Rome
The Jewish district of Rome is a treasure trove of culture and art, where you can admire some of the most beautiful and interesting monuments, buildings, and museums of the city. Here are some of the highlights:

The Great Synagogue of Rome: This is the largest and most impressive synagogue in Rome, built in 1904 on the site of the former ghetto synagogue. The synagogue has a distinctive square dome, decorated with mosaics and Hebrew inscriptions, and a magnificent interior, featuring marble columns, stained glass windows, and a rich collection of ritual objects and manuscripts. The synagogue is also home to the Jewish Museum of Rome, which displays the history, culture, and traditions of the Roman Jews, as well as their artistic and religious heritage.

The Portico of Octavia: This is an ancient Roman portico, built by Emperor Augustus in honor of his sister Octavia, and later incorporated into the ghetto’s wall. The portico was once a splendid complex of temples, libraries, and theaters, but today only a few arches and columns remain. The portico was also the site of the fish market, where the Jews had to buy their food, and where you can still see the marble slabs used to display the fish.

The Turtle Fountain: This is one of the most charming and elegant fountains in Rome, located in Piazza Mattei, a lovely square in the heart of the Jewish district. The fountain was designed by Giacomo della Porta and sculpted by Taddeo Landini in 1581, and features four bronze youths holding up a marble basin, on which four turtles rest. The turtles were added later by Bernini, and give the fountain its name and charm. The fountain is also linked to a legend, according to which the Duke of Mattei, who lived in the nearby palace, built the fountain overnight to impress his future father-in-law and win the hand of his beloved.

The Cuisine of the Jewish District of Rome
The Jewish district of Rome is also a paradise for food lovers, as it offers some of the most delicious and unique dishes of the Roman cuisine, influenced by the Jewish dietary laws and traditions. The Jewish cuisine of Rome is based on simple and seasonal ingredients, such as vegetables, cheese, eggs, and fish, and features some of the most famous specialties of the city, such as:

Carciofi alla giudia: This is the signature dish of the Jewish district, and consists of artichokes that are deep-fried until crispy and tender. The artichokes are seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and are best enjoyed hot and fresh.

Supplì: These are fried rice balls, stuffed with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, and coated with bread crumbs. The supplì are crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, and are a popular street food and appetizer in Rome.

Baccalà: This is salted cod, which is soaked, boiled, and fried, and served with a garlic and parsley sauce. The baccalà is a typical dish of the Jewish district, as it was one of the few types of fish allowed by the ghetto’s rules, and is still a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Crostata di ricotta e visciole: This is a delicious tart, made with a shortcrust pastry, filled with ricotta cheese and sour cherries, and sprinkled with powdered sugar. The crostata is a traditional dessert of the Jewish district, and is perfect for a sweet ending to your meal.

The Jewish district of Rome is full of restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and delis, where you can taste these and other delicacies of the Jewish cuisine, as well as enjoy the friendly and cozy atmosphere of the neighborhood.

Some of the best places to eat in the Jewish district are:

Nonna Betta: This is a family-run restaurant, where you can find authentic and homemade Jewish dishes, such as carciofi alla giudia, pasta with anchovies and endive, and almond cake.

Ba’Ghetto: This is a kosher restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes, such as couscous with lamb, fried zucchini flowers, and chocolate mousse.

Pasticceria Boccione: This is a historic bakery, where you can buy some of the most famous sweets of the Jewish district, such as crostata di ricotta e visciole, pizza ebraica (a dense cake with nuts and dried fruits), and biscotti al vino (wine cookies).

Conclusion
The Jewish district of Rome is one of the most fascinating and charming areas of the city, where you can discover a unique and rich culture, admire stunning art and architecture, and savor delicious and original cuisine. The Jewish district of Rome is a must-see destination for anyone who wants to experience the true spirit and soul of Rome, and learn more about its history, diversity, and beauty.