Rome’s Jewish Ghetto: History, Tragedy & Resilience

Tucked along the Tiber River, between Trastevere and the Capitoline Hill, lies one of the most storied and emotionally powerful areas of Rome — the Jewish Ghetto. It’s a neighborhood that witnessed centuries of hardship, spiritual endurance, and cultural rebirth.

This guide tells the compelling story of the Ghetto Ebraico di Roma — from its tragic origins in the 16th century to its modern-day transformation into one of the most meaningful and atmospheric corners of the Eternal City.

📜 A Brief History: From Isolation to Revival

🚫 1555: The Papal Decree

The Jewish Ghetto of Rome was created by Pope Paul IV in 1555 with a papal bull that forcibly confined Jews to a small, flood-prone district behind locked gates. Walls were built, curfews enforced, and professions limited. Jews were not allowed to own property, and men were forced to listen to Christian sermons on the Sabbath.

At just 4 blocks wide, the Ghetto became one of Europe’s most crowded and poorest areas — but also a stronghold of identity.

🕍 Resilience in Confinement

Despite harsh conditions, the community preserved:

Religious traditions
Hebrew education
Cuisine adapted from Roman and Jewish roots (including the now-famous fried artichoke: carciofi alla giudia)

⚔️ 19th Century: Walls Fall, Rights Restored

Rome’s ghetto walls were torn down in 1870 after Italy’s unification. Jews were granted civil rights, many moved out — but many remained, and the neighborhood stayed culturally cohesive.

💔 1943: Nazi Occupation & Deportations

The darkest chapter came on October 16, 1943, when Nazis raided the Ghetto, deporting over 1,000 Roman Jews to Auschwitz. Only 16 survived.

Today, this event is honored with plaques (stolpersteine), memorials, and an unshakable presence in community memory.

👉 Join a Jewish Heritage Walking Tour of Rome →

🕍 Must-Visit Sites in the Jewish Ghetto

1. The Great Synagogue of Rome (Tempio Maggiore)

One of the largest synagogues in Europe, built in 1904 in a striking mix of Art Nouveau and Assyrian-Babylonian styles.
🎟️ Book tickets or guided tour →

2. The Jewish Museum of Rome (Museo Ebraico di Roma)

Inside the Synagogue complex, this museum showcases ancient Torah scrolls, community documents, textiles, and photos.
🕰️ Tip: Closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

3. Piazza delle Cinque Scole

The heart of the old Ghetto, where five synagogues once operated in a single building. Today, it’s surrounded by kosher restaurants and bakeries.

4. Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe)

This Renaissance gem sits just outside the old Ghetto walls and offers a peaceful photo stop. A favorite of locals and couples.

5. Portico of Octavia (Portico d’Ottavia)

A vast ruin that once housed temples and libraries — later incorporated into the Ghetto. Roman and Jewish history literally intertwine here.

6. Stolpersteine (“Stumbling Stones”)

Tiny brass plates embedded in the ground mark where victims of the Holocaust once lived. Each bears a name and deportation date.
→ Take a moment to stop and reflect.

🍽️ What to Eat in the Ghetto

The neighborhood is also known for its Roman Jewish cuisine, which blends local ingredients with kosher traditions.

Try these must-eats:

Carciofi alla giudia (deep-fried artichokes)
Baccalà fritto (fried cod)
Concia di zucchine (marinated zucchini)
Pizza ebraica (sweet-spiced fruit cake)

👉 Book a food & history tour of the Jewish Ghetto →

✡️ Cultural Revival & Modern Life

Today, the Ghetto is a thriving cultural hub. You’ll find:

A vibrant Jewish community
Independent bookstores and Judaica shops
Kosher restaurants with al fresco tables
Quiet piazzas filled with memory and meaning

It’s a place to honor the past, appreciate the resilience of a people, and witness how ancient faiths and modern life coexist.

🚶‍♀️ Experience It for Yourself

Make the most of your visit with these curated experiences:

🗺️ Bonus: Free Jewish Rome Travel Map

Includes:

Historical sites
Memorial stones
Kosher restaurants
Walking tour routes

👉 Download the Free Map PDF →