Jewish Ghetto Tour + Synagogue

Description

HIGHLIGHTS

Jewish Ghetto + Synagogue Walking Tour Highlights

• 2-hour tour by a professional guide + Great Synagogue tour
• Visit the Great Synagogue, Tiberina Island, Theatre of Marcellus, Porticus Octaviae, Fontana delle Tartarughe
• Taste traditional Kosher gelato

TOUR ITINERARY

This tour is great for those looking to get off the beaten track and find the hidden treasures of Rome that most tourists never see. You will start the tour meeting your expert guide at Trajan’s Column near Piazza Venezia.

We will walk to the Theatre of Marcellus, often jokingly referred to as the little Colosseum. Though architecturally similar to the Colosseum, the Theatre of Marcellus is slightly older, dating all the way back to 12BC and it did not house any of the blood sports but instead was used to show plays, concerts and recitals and now is home to a few lucky citizens with apartments above the theater. From here it is a very short walk to the Porticus Octaviae, an enormous structure built by the emperor Augustus in honour of his sister Octavia. Though it used to hold two temples and a library, it is more commonly remembered for the fish market that was housed there from the 15th to early 20th century. It is from here that we enter the Ghetto itself.

The oldest Jewish Ghetto in the world, first constructed in 1555 by the pope after revoking all rights granted to the Roman Jews, and barring them from all types of trade and the ability to own real estate. In spite of this, the Jewish community thrived inside developing shrewd business trade, a unique and wonderful cuisine inside their walls and even their own dialect of Italian. Here we will encounter the Great Synagogue, still the third largest in Europe, which still functions today as a place of prayer and a vital cultural reference point for the entire Jewish community of Rome.

We will also get a chance to see the many restaurants along the way and stop for a taste of traditional Kosher gelato. From there we have a short walk to the magnificent Fontana delle Tartarughe (The Turtle Fountain), a true masterpiece of the late Italian Renaissance, where you will discover how it was famously constructed in just one day.

Our last stop takes us onto the Tiber Island where past and present slip seamlessly into one. Tiber Island was always used by the ancient Romans as a hospital with the river helping them as a natural barrier aiding to stop the spread of disease, and one of Rome’s best hospitals can still be found on that site today. The boat shaped island is connected on both sides by medieval bridges forming a truly stunning image on the river. The island is conveniently placed between the Ghetto and the local neighbourhood of Trastevere and is well connected to get back to any part of the city.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please check-in at the meeting point 10 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. Tours cannot be delayed for late arrivals, and no refunds will be given for late arrivals or missed tours.
• Tours will proceed in all weather conditions. It is highly recommended to bring bottled water, sunscreen, hat and umbrella.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and be sure to dress warmly in colder temperatures, and bring a cover for bare shoulders inside any churches in the warmer months.