The Jewish Ghetto & Trastevere in Rome

The Tour

A three hour in-depth look at two of the most ancient and intriguing Jewish quarters in Rome: the Ghetto, including visits to the Synagogue and Museum, and the neighboring Trastevere.

On this walk we will visit two of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods, the Ghetto and Trastevere.  Both authentic Jewish neighborhoods, their environs characterize the realm of cultures outside of the power-wielding Roman majority.  While traversing these ancient Roman districts we investigate the history and traditions of the Jewish community in Rome, firstly at the Ghetto, the oldest in Europe, admiring its attractive shops, cafes, crafts stores, kosher restaurants and Jewish-owned businesses, and then in Trastevere, exploring its distinctive urban spaces and assortment of ancient, medieval and Renaissance architecture.  
Within the Jewish Ghetto we will visit prominent sites such as Portico d’Ottavia, Piazza Mattei and Piazza delle Cinque Scuole, and spend a significant amount of time exploring of the Great Synagogue and its museum, which will give us a significant insight into the history of Jewish Rome.

While crossing the Tiber River we will spend a moment on its famous island, which, according to some, is the place where urban activity first began in Rome.  Here we discus the river and various noteworthy monuments in its vicinity including the Ponte Fabricio, the remains of the Ponte Rotto and the travertine “prow of Aeneas’ ship” embedded into the island.

Continuing on into Trastevere, one of the most characteristic neighborhoods in Rome, we continue to explore the Jewish residential district, passing by some of the most historic churches of the city, including Santa Cecilia, built on the ruins of an ancient (2nd century) Roman house, and Santa Maria in Trastevere, a titular church and one of the oldest Christian sites in the world.  If time allows, and interest among the group affords, we may visit one of these spaces to see a little of Rome’s epochal art and architecture.

This itinerary will also address the idea of pluralism in Roman society and how a minority, or outsider group like the Jewish community, as throughout history, left its mark on the city.  In addition to the landmarks and major monuments, we will also spend time traversing back alleys and side streets in order to get a taste of the most beautiful and un-visited parts of Rome.

Details

Tour Route:
Jewish Ghetto -- Piazza Mattei; Portico d’Ottavia; The Great Synagogue; Tiber Island; Trastevere -- Santa Cecilia; Santa Maria in Trastevere.
Duration: 3 hours
Meeting point: The news-stand opposite #14 Largo Arenula, just off of Largo Argentina (the sunken archaeological site at intersection of Corso Vittorio and Via Arenula).
Starting time: TBA

Walking Tour
Time: 3 hours
Cost: €35

TOUR OPTIONS:
This is a walking tour.

Entrance Fees
The tour does not include Entrance Fees. You will need to pay €11 in entrance fees for all sites visited on this tour.

Special Requirements
If you have special requirements, please contact us as early as possible to see if we can accommodate your needs. Email us or call +39 06 3972 3051

Terms & Conditions
Tour bookings are on a first come, first served basis, unless you have made an early reservation and have our confirmation email. All ticket sales are final. To cancel or change your booking, please contact us as early as possible. We will do our best to assist you. Read our Cancellation & Amendment Policy here.