This private Jewish Rome family tour unveils the treasures of the city’s historic Jewish Quarter including the picturesque area of Trastevere once home to Rome’s first Jewish settlers until the Renaissance. Our guide takes you on a carefully sketched walk through the Roman Ghetto tracing the history of the Europe’s oldest Jewish community through this still-vibrant quarter with its charming fountains, piazzas and cobblestoned backstreets. A must-do experience for families interested in learning about Rome from a Jewish perspective.

The History of Rome’s Jewish Quarter

Within the Eternal City renowned for its ties to the Catholic Church, lies the Jewish Ghetto, the second oldest Jewish quarter in the world after Venice. Established by Pope Paul IV in 1555, today the ghetto is no longer walled but is still the heart of the Roman Jewish Community. The city’s monumental Great Synagogue is here and this is where you will find kosher restaurants and typical Jewish Roman dishes including the famous fried artichokes.

Jewish Rome Family Tour

Jews have been living in Rome continuously since the 2nd century BCE and today their community is Italy’s largest. Gain insights into this deeply influential culture. Our expertly planned itinerary retraces all this fascinating history, from the ancient Roman times to nowadays. You will learn how this enduring community has survived with their faith and tradition intact for 22 centuries and the important role-played in the city cultural life and society from economic influence to gastronomic delights.

Rome's Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere

We start by exploring the Jewish Ghetto area and visiting key Jewish heritage sites, including the Great Synagogue, built in 1904, one of the area's most important landmarks. Behind the monumental Synagogue is the Portico d’Ottavia, which owes its name to the ruins of an ancient Roman temple, built in the 1st century B.C. Inside part of the monument stands the church of St. Angelo in Pescheria.

Then, we proceed to the Tiber Island by passing through the Ponte Fabricio, the oldest bridge in Rome. The island offers an amazing walk with its quaint houses, courtyards and streets reminiscent of its medieval origins. Afterward, we head on to one of the most famous and ancient parts of Rome, the Trastevere quarter where remains of the oldest uninterrupted Jewish community are still present. Walking in Vicolo dell'Atleta, you will see a 13th-century construction considered the only surviving ancient Jewish synagogue in the quarter from the Middle Ages.

The historic area of Trastevere is also famous for its restaurants and charming atmosphere, once the tour is over it is up to you to continue with a fun and relaxing walk in the district, or perhaps stop at any of the restaurants or pizzerias for a local meal. Interested in a Jewish Vatican Tour? See our Vatican Private Tour from a Jewish Perspective