The Jewish Ghetto Quarters in Rome

Q: What does "ghetto" mean today?

Today, "ghetto" generally refers to a part of a city where a minority group lives, often due to social, legal, or economic pressures. It can also carry negative connotations related to poverty and isolation.

Q: Why is the Jewish Ghetto in Rome called a ghetto?

The Jewish Ghetto in Rome is called a ghetto because it was an area where Jews were required to live by papal decree from 1555 until the ghetto was abolished in 1870. The term "ghetto" originated in Venice in 1516, when the Venetian authorities designated a specific area for Jewish residents. This term was later applied to similar areas in other cities.

Q: Is the Jewish Ghetto in Rome worth seeing?

Yes, the Jewish Ghetto in Rome is worth seeing. It offers a rich history, beautiful architecture, and delicious kosher restaurants. Key attractions include the Great Synagogue of Rome and the Jewish Museum.

Q: Is there still a Jewish Ghetto in Rome?

The area once known as the Jewish Ghetto still exists and is now a vibrant neighborhood with a significant Jewish community, historical sites, and cultural attractions.

Q: What do the metal signs on the sidewalks in Rome's Jewish Ghetto mean?

The metal signs, known as "Stolpersteine" or stumbling stones, commemorate victims of the Holocaust . They are placed in front of their last chosen place of residence before deportation.

Q: Is the Jewish Ghetto in Rome safe?

Yes, the Jewish Ghetto in Rome is generally safe. It is a popular tourist area with frequent police patrols, and visitors typically feel secure exploring its streets.

Q: When did Rome ban Judaism?

Rome never entirely banned Judaism, but severe restrictions were imposed , especially after the establishment of the Ghetto in 1555. These restrictions were lifted in 1870 when the Ghetto was abolished.

Q: Where did the Jews go after Rome?

After the Roman Empire's decline, Jews dispersed to various regions, including the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. During and after World War II, many emigrated to Israel, the United States, and other countries.

Q: How far is the Jewish Ghetto from the Colosseum?

The Jewish Ghetto is about 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) from the Colosseum , a pleasant walk that takes approximately 25-30 minutes.

Q: Do real Jews live in the Jewish Ghetto in Rome today?

Yes, Jews live in the former ghetto area today. It remains a center of Jewish life in Rome, with active synagogues, kosher restaurants, and cultural institutions.

Tip	There are several themed tours around the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. The territory of the Ghetto is small, you can walk around it on your own in about 30 minutes. Usually, the tour program includes neighboring areas, for example, Campo dei Fiori and Tiber Island. Tours cost 28 to 90 euros per person, and the duration is 2 to 4 hours. You can see all Jewish Ghetto tour offers on this page.
Recommended tour
Address	Rione XI Sant'Angelo, Rome

The Jewish Ghetto District in Rome, a hidden gem, is a unique blend of history and modernity. This neighborhood, with its rich past, now houses a vibrant mix of boutique stores and kosher restaurants, all nestled amidst historic buildings.

Things to Know Before Visit Jewish Ghetto in Rome

What does “ghetto” mean today?

Why is the Jewish Ghetto in Rome called a ghetto?

Is the Jewish Ghetto in Rome worth seeing?

Is there still a Jewish Ghetto in Rome?

What do the metal signs on the sidewalks in Rome’s Jewish Ghetto mean?

Is the Jewish Ghetto in Rome safe?

When did Rome ban Judaism?

Where did the Jews go after Rome?

How far is the Jewish Ghetto from the Colosseum?

Do real Jews live in the Jewish Ghetto in Rome today?

How many Jews live in Rome today?

History

The Ghetto was established in 1555 in the Rione Sant’Angelo, in the southern part of Campo de Fiori . It was Pope Paul IV who ordered the construction of the neighborhood. It had borders over a Papal Bull along with different discriminatory laws about the kinds of professions that Jews could do or could not. One of the most typical professions was selling fish, so the old fish market was located in the Ghetto.

Moreover, the area has one of the highest prices for property in Rome. Because of all prohibitions and obligations, the Jews became traders of clothing and business people in the field of loans.

The Ghetto walls were torn down in 1888.

Even though the Jewish culture grew in this district, it also witnessed Nazi occupation during the Second World War. The German government proclaimed that Rome’s Jews had to donate their gold not to be deported to the concentration camps. Many in the city, including the Vatican, donated their gold. However, there are debates about whether the Vatican’s offer is being refused. The Jewish community raised the required amount, while Nazi soldiers entered the neighborhood on October 16^th, 1943, and deported 1000-2000 people. Unfortunately, only 16 managed to survive.

Nowadays, the area is full of kosher restaurants, churches, and synagogues. Moreover, famous Turtle Fountain located there. Also, there are the ruins of the enormous ancient Portico d’Ottavia erected in 146 BC as a grand procession way.

What to See Inside the Jewish Ghetto in Rome?

Jewish Ghetto includes many famous Rome sites.

The Great Synagogue

The Great Synagogue of Rome (Tempio Maggiore di Roma) is the largest in Rome. During the Italian unification in 1870, Jews were granted citizenship, and the Great Synagogue was established, while the ghetto synagogue was torn down.

Theater Marcellus

The Theater Marcellus (Teatro Marcello) is named after Marcus Marcellus, Emperor Augustus’s nephew. The building is one of the ancient examples of important entertainment venues for Romans. The theater had significant strategic importance. It was under the rule of the Fabi family that built a fortress on top of the arches. However, eventually, the construction was under the command of the Savelli and Orsini families.

Marcellus’s Theater is the primary version of the Colosseum, but it is not the Colosseum, which is the original Roman amphitheater

Jewish Museum of Rome

The Jewish Museum is located underneath the Great Synagogue. It houses silverware and textiles, marble carvings, and many other items from the Jewish Community of the Eternal City.

The Turtle Fountain

The Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe or Fontana Tortoise), built by Taddeo Landini between 1581 and 1588, is considered one of Rome’s first finest fountains. It is world-acclaimed, and four replicas were built in the USA. Four bronze ephebes are held with one hand in a circular basin, while with another, they help a turtle climb the basin.

List of the Best Kosher Restaurants in Jewish Quarters

One of the best attractions of the Jewish quarters is its kosher restaurants. Here is a list of the Best Kosher Restaurants which I strongly recommend visiting:

Giggetto al Portico d’Ottavia

Giggetto al Portico d’Ottavia located in the center of the Jewish Ghetto. Moreover, it is a family-run restaurant that has existed since 1923. On the menu, you will find a variety of kosher dishes, including the famous carciofi alla guida and a wide selection of local wines.

Address: Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 21 / a
Working hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 12.30 pm – 3 pm, 7.30 pm – 11 pm
Website: www.giggetto.it

BaGhetto Ristorante Kosher-Portico d’Ottavia

BaGhetto is famous for its kosher dishes, including fried artichokes. The place offers excellent service and quality food. Moreover, the ambiance is warm and friendly.

Address: Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 57
Working hours: Monday – Thursday: 12 pm -11 pm, Friday: 12 pm – 3 pm Saturday: 6 pm-11 pm, Sunday: 11.30 am-11 pm
Website: www.baghetto.com

Overall, the Jewish Ghetto is one of the most amazing quarters of Rome. It has a rich history, and nowadays, the neighborhood is peaceful and quiet. You should definitely visit one of the kosher restaurants or admire the historic buildings of the Jewish Ghetto.

Nearby Attractions

Turtle Fountain

1 min 230 ft 70 m

Great Synagogue

3 min 490 ft 150 m

Crypta Balbi

4 min 620 ft 190 m

Cat Sanctuary Ruins

4 min 690 ft 210 m

Theater of Marcellus

5 min 790 ft 240 m

Tiber Island

6 min 980 ft 300 m

Church of the Gesù

7 min 1120 ft 340 m

Colossus of Constantine

7 min 1150 ft 350 m

Capitoline Museums

8 min 1350 ft 410 m

Capitoline Square

8 min 1380 ft 420 m

Author: Kate Zusmann

I have lived in the Eternal City for the past 12 years. They say every angle of Rome has its history, and I'm here to tell you about the most intriguing historical facts and city legends. :)

Jewish Ghetto Quarters