Rome Jewish District Walking Tour

The Jewish community was among the first settlers in Rome almost 2000 years ago in the heart of the city. The community lived in harmony with the rest of the population and enjoyed considerable freedom — an example of religious tolerance that unfortunately was not later extended to any of the reformed Christian creeds. Roman Jews by contrast, were forced to live enclosed in the ghetto between the 1500s and 1800s, had an imposed curfew, and several other restrictions. The sad, crumbling remains of this walled district known as "Ghetto," was torn down only in the 19th century.

The Jewish community was among the first settlers in Rome almost 2000 years ago in the heart of the city. The community lived in harmony with the rest of the population and enjoyed considerable freedom — an example of religious tolerance that unfortunately was not later extended to any of the reformed Christian creeds. Roman Jews by contrast, were forced to live enclosed in the ghetto between the 1500s and 1800s, had an imposed curfew, and several other restrictions. The sad, crumbling remains of this walled district known as "Ghetto," was torn down only in the 19th century.

This tour will guide you through one of the most interesting parts of the city, and you will visit the remains of the Porch of Octavia, an imposing structure built by the emperor Augustus for his sister and where, in the middle ages, the most important fish market of the city was located. In this market, Jewish women used to collect the market waste in order to cook their famous fish broth. We will travel from the Roman age through the Middle ages and the Renaissance when important Roman families settled there and built their noble palaces. On the inscriptions all over this area, you can read about the horrible events that occurred during the Nazi occupation of Rome in 1943-44. This tour will give you a chance to walk through fascinating buildings and revive tragic but important memories of the past. You’ll appreciate the vivid atmosphere of the neighborhood today, where you can still have a glimpse of the past, tasting some of the delicatessen, typical Jewish pastry, or the famous fried artichokes.

Visit the stronghold of Roman popular custom and tradition, forget about the hectic life of the rest of the city, and get a glimpse of a real Roman neighborhood. Enjoy the atmosphere of this authentic neighborhood — the core and heart of the “rione”(quarter), and a delightful meeting place for all and sundry, for gossip, and an aperitif. Experience the sparkling atmosphere of the big and small squares, corners and alleys, and learn about the legend of the mineral oil that sprang out from the ground.

You will admire ancient churches, aristocratic palaces and their beautiful decorations, old hidden workshops and picturesque corners. You’ll admire Middle age towers and Renaissance baronial family palaces, papal memories and all this in a relaxing walk. This tour will let you feel like a real Roman and will add so greatly to the full enjoyment of an authentic Roman holiday.