Rome Jewish Ghetto

The Jewish Ghetto consists of a few blocks just off Isola Tiberina. Come here for great food and a look back at one of the first Jewish communities in Western Europe.

The Great Synagogue, Corner of Lungotevere dei Cenci and V. Catalana (☎06 68 40 06 61; www.museoebraico.roma.it), From afar, the Synagogue occupies a place in the Roman skyline right up there with many of the city's other, more famous cupolas. The Synagogue's beautiful, palm-tree-surrounded roof is distinct from the architecture and ruins that surround it, so stroll by to glimpse a different element of Rome's urban design. Construction of the Synagogue began in 1904 as part of an effort to revitalize and rebuild the Jewish Ghetto, which had for many decades suffered from flooding and unsanitary conditions. By 1904, the Synagogue, designed with a curious mix of Persian and Babylonian influences, had been completed. Its unique design was intended to make it stand apart from the city's many Catholic churches. Inside, highlights include a stunning mix of painted floral patterns by Annibale Brugnoli and Domenico Bruschi and an upper section of stained glass. Look up top for the small portion of clear glass commemorating a child who was killed in a 1982 plane crash. At the corner of Lungotevere dei Cenci and V. Catalana. Open for services. Free. Wheelchair access.
Piazza Mattei, Between V. dei Falegnami and V. dei Funari The tiny P. Mattei is the center of the Jewish Ghetto, though today most of the neighborhood's culinary and social activity occurs on V. del Ottavio. Visit this piazza for a look at the Fontana delle Tartarughe, a 16th-century monument by Taddeo Landini that depicts four figures bearing tortoises and a strange basin atop their heads. The rest of the Piazza is composed of merchants and residential houses, save the Chiesa di Sant'Angelo in Pescheria, an unimposing eighth-century church named for its proximity to the fish market that once operated near Porta Ottavia. Though technically the center of the ghetto, this square feels more like a quiet respite from the busier streets nearby. From the Area Sacra, walk down V. Arenula and turn left onto V. dei Falegnami; P. Mattei is on the right. The church cannot be entered due to repairs. Wheelchair access.
Museo Ebraico, Corner of Lungotevere dei Cenci and V. Catalana (☎06 68 40 06 61; www.museoebraico.roma.it), The Jewish Museum, located within the Synagogue, displays a comprehensive collection of Jewish artifacts tracing the history of Jews in Rome as far back as the 16th century. The collection, which includes textiles, silver pieces, ancient writings, and stone engravings, has been growing since 1960, the year of the museum's opening. Touring the museum is an informative supplement to a stroll through the nearby ghetto, which today retains most of its authenticity through its cuisine and residents. From Ponte Garibaldi, turn right onto Lungotevere de Cenci and veer left toward the synagogue. €7, EU students €4, under 10 and handicapped persons free. Free guided tours of the Great Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue available in English every hr. Open June 16-Sept 15 M-Th 10am-6:15pm, F 10am-3:15pm, Su 10am-6:15pm; Sept 16-June 15 M-Th 10am-4:15pm, F 9am-1:15pm, Su 10am-4:15pm. Wheelchair access.