About this experience
The Jewish community of Rome has existed for over 2000 years. Emerging before the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, passing through Antiquity, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance, it has preserved its cultural identity to this day. Learn about the role of the Eternal City in Jewish history and Jews in the history of Rome on a tour through picturesque neighborhoods on both sides of the Tiber River.
What to Expect
The Jewish Quarter - one of the oldest in the world
The walk will start at Piazza Venezia, from where we will move to the colorful district of the Jewish Ghetto. You will learn about the reasons for the specific layout of this quarter, as well as about the ancient and medieval way of life of its enterprising inhabitants: what they did, what they ate, how they developed crafts and trade. At the Portico of Octavia, I will tell you about the origin of one of the gastronomic specialties, which is still a hallmark of Roman Jewish cuisine. Near the 16th-century Turtle Fountain, you will hear an interesting legend about its creation. You will also visit the synagogue with a dome visible from everywhere alongside Christian churches, where we will talk about its non-Jewish author and how Judaism coexisted with the capital's main religion.
Colorful Trastevere
Then our path leads to the only island-ship on the entire Tiber River, where I will introduce you to ancient legends about its origin. Crossing the bridge to the opposite side of the Tiber, you will find yourself in an atmospheric area with countless restaurants where locals love to spend time. Here we will continue the conversation about Jewish settlers and their cultural contribution to the city's development. In addition, you will visit the Church of Saint Cecilia with a well-preserved ancient foundation of the house, where I will tell you about its patron saint and the strict rule of the female Benedictine monastery. And you will visit the main church of the area - Santa Maria in Trastevere, built in the middle of the 4th century and also reaching our days in perfect condition. In the church, you will discover one of the most richly decorated mosaic apses in Rome, where you will find one of the best collections of ancient icons in the city.
Upon request, other iconic churches and places in Trastevere can be included in the program, and at the end of the walk, I will help you choose a restaurant for lunch or dinner. After all, it is here that you can get acquainted with the cuisine of real Roman taverns.
Organizational Details
- The walk is entirely on foot
- No additional expenses are expected, except for personal expenses along the way
Anastasia
May 8, 2024
Elena is a wonderful, engaging storyteller. She delivered all the information in an accessible and interesting way. Highly recommend!
Ekaterina
March 20, 2024
Excellent tour - Elena's narrative is interesting and easy to follow. Both my 13-year-old daughter and I enjoyed it a lot. Highly recommend!
Gold
May 19, 2023
A wonderful, light, and interesting tour around Rome. Plus, as a bonus - tips and recommendations. Elena, thank you! More details: Well-planned route, Elena's encyclopedic knowledge, and her relaxed manner of presenting information made the tour an engaging stroll. Elena is a historian and knows how...
Show more
