Rome is undoubtedly one of the most unique cities in the world, a place where the present and the ancient harmoniously blend together. Among its countless wonders, there are also places of great importance to the Jewish community.
In particular, anyone visiting the Eternal City cannot miss a trip to the Jewish Ghetto, where the Synagogue of Rome, also known as the Great Synagogue, is located. Another area of great interest in the Jewish Ghetto is the one surrounding the Portico of Octavia. Here, you can also try the traditional dishes of the Jewish-Roman cuisine, which combines Roman culinary traditions with the rules of kosher food.
The Great Synagogue, or the main synagogue of Rome, is one of the most important temples for the Roman Jewish community. Located along the Tiber River in the heart of the ancient Jewish Ghetto, its construction was closely linked to the process of emancipation after centuries of discrimination.
The synagogue was built between 1901 and 1904, after the Ghetto walls were torn down in 1888 when Rome was incorporated into the Kingdom of Italy. It became a symbol of freedom and integration for the Jewish community. The synagogue is a unique part of Rome’s skyline with its square dome and its peculiar mix of Art Nouveau and oriental styles.
In addition to being a place of worship, the synagogue also houses the Jewish Museum of Rome, a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Jews, showcasing over two thousand years of history.
A visit to the Great Synagogue and the Jewish Museum is a must when staying in Rome. These two sites narrate the story of a community that has endured turbulent times yet managed to preserve its identity and traditions.
A tour of this area will not only immerse you in centuries of art and architecture but also encourage reflection on tolerance and the value of peaceful coexistence between different cultures.
Therefore, if you find yourself in Rome, do not forget to visit the Great Synagogue and the Jewish Museum. It will be an enriching experience, and you will likely leave with lasting, unforgettable memories.
Not far from the Synagogue, you will find one of the places that best represents the classical past and the Jewish history of Rome: the Portico of Octavia. Built in the 2nd century B.C. and later rebuilt by Emperor Augustus, it was initially part of a monumental complex dedicated to his sister, Octavia, featuring temples, libraries, and statues.
The portico became a gathering place for Jews as early as the Middle Ages when the grand ruins of ancient Rome were an integral part of the Jewish Ghetto, with its narrow alleys and small shops. It also witnessed significant events, such as the persecutions during the fascist period, including the deportation of Roman Jews in 1943.
Today, the Portico of Octavia is one of those sites you cannot miss if you want to understand Rome’s multicultural past. If that weren’t enough, the Portico also hosts some of the best Jewish-Roman restaurants in the city, where you can enjoy traditional dishes like artichokes alla giudia or Jewish carbonara, a kosher version of the Roman recipe.
If you wish to visit the Jewish Ghetto in Rome, we recommend starting with the Synagogue. Part of the visit is dedicated to the Jewish Museum, located within the synagogue, which offers a comprehensive overview of the history of the Jewish community in Rome, with detailed explanations about various holidays, traditions, and other significant events.
After visiting the Great Synagogue, you can head to the nearby Portico of Octavia. It’s only a short walk away, and you will find yourself in the maze of the Ghetto, where brass-plated plaques mark the names of Jews deported during the fascist occupation. Walking through these streets is a moving experience that prompts reflection on what happened and the significance of historical memory.
Once you reach the Portico of Octavia, you’ll be greeted by the archaeological remains of ancient Rome. Afterward, it will definitely be time to visit one of the neighborhood’s restaurants and experience Roman kosher food.