Jewish Ghetto And Trastevere Tour

Jewish Ghetto & Trastevere, Rome walking tour

The tour will start right in the heart of Rome, the guide will take you for a walk where you will get some great views of the city and intriguing hidden stories, before heading to the Jewish ghetto, a fascinating neighborhood of Rome, where traditions and a keen sense of identity still loom largely. The guide will explain how this became the area it is today, from the Ancient Roman period, through the medieval age, up to the 20th and 21st Centuries. Join this tour and discover some of the most romantic and tragic tales that the city has to offer. You will then cross the oldest bridge in Rome (2100 years old!) to stop for a gelato in the picturesque area of Trastevere, famous for its artisanal shops, great restaurants and bars, and picture-postcard scenery. You will also see one of the oldest churches in the city, before ending up at one of Rome’s best evening-time piazzas.

Places we will visit:

JEWISH GHETTO:

Hidden in the heart of the city, Rome’s Jewish ghetto is one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe. Its history is closely intertwined with the events of the city and the Roman Catholic Church.
Rome has had a Jewish population for over 2,000 years. when Jews came to the Eternal city and were absorbed into Roman society as traders, merchants, and slaves. They first settled in the neighborhood of Trastevere; according to historians over 30,000 Jews lived and worked in the city.
Their fortunes took a tragic turn for the worse in 1555, when they were confined to a segregated area called the “ghetto” by Pope Paul IV.
Almost 5,000 Jews were walled into a small, restricted area; the walls were locked at night and were opened again at dawn. The walls were finally torn down in the late 19th Century. However, not long after the walls were torn down, the narrow streets of the ghetto had to witness the devastating persecution of the Jewish people under the Fascist regime, which culminated in their deportation on Hitler’s orders.
Today the ghetto was turned into a beautiful, vibrant neighborhood where history and traditions can be found in every corner and where Jewish culture merges perfectly with the greatness of Roman architecture. It’s a gorgeous maze of cobbled-stoned streets, filled with kosher bakeries and restaurants. Your Roman holiday will not be complete without a tour of this lively neighborhood.

SANTA MARIA IN TRASTEVERE

Probably one of the first official Christian places of worship to be built in Rome. Established around 220 A.D. The greater part of the structure now dates from 1140, after a rebuilding by Innocent II, a pope from Trastevere.

The church’s mosaics are among the city’s most impressive! The golden mosaics on the facade of the church are even more impressive at night when illuminated. Not to be missed! The piazza has become a favoured hang out to catch up with friends.

SANTA CECILIA

One of Rome’s most interesting churches. St. Cecilia, aristocrat and patron saint of music was martyred here in 230 AD. According to tradition, she suffered a particularly cruel death. She was scalded, suffocated and beheaded.

Legend has it that she continued to sing throughout her martyrdom thus becoming the patron saint of music. A church was founded on the site of her house, around the IV century.

Her body was found in the catacombs of Saint Callisto and was buried here in the IX century, and the church was rebuilt at that time. A statue of the saint below the high altar depicts her incorruptible body as it was found when exhumed, with three deep cuts in her neck.

Excavations of Cecilia’s Roman house can be toured underneath the church. Notable artworks in the church include The Last Judgment by Pietro Cavallini (c. 1293) and a baldachino by Arnolfo di Cambio over the altar (late 1200s).

What more can I say?… Put on your comfy shoes and come for a stroll through the enchanting little alleys of Trastevere! It’s an experience you will never forget! If you’re a food lover, Trastevere is the place for you. Here you can find some of the best restaurants in Rome, no matter what your budget is!

What to Bring

A photo ID