1.50 Hours
Up to 3 days
15 people
English, Italian
Step into the timeless streets of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto , a neighborhood steeped in history, culture, and poignant stories. This guided tour takes you back through centuries of Roman life, from ancient times to the struggles of World War II, offering an unforgettable blend of history, legends, and resilience.
As you explore this historic district, you’ll walk along cobblestone streets lined with golden “stumbling blocks” commemorating lives lost during the Holocaust, stand in awe before the grand Great Synagogue of Rome , and marvel at iconic landmarks like the Theatre of Marcellus and the enchanting Fountain of the Turtles . Your expert guide will bring these sites to life, sharing tales of triumph, tragedy, and the enduring spirit of the Jewish community.
Our journey through the Jewish Ghetto takes us back to Roman times, beginning at the Portico D’Ottavia, a true open-air museum. Named by Emperor Augustus for his sister Octavia and built between 33 and 23 BC, this ancient structure has witnessed centuries of Roman history.
Nearby stands the impressive Teatro Marcello, a structure remarkably similar to the Colosseum, yet predating it. This theater was crucial in the development of amphitheater design, influencing iconic arenas like the Colosseum and Verona Arena.
However, the grandeur of Ancient Rome intertwines here with a more somber history – the forced confinement of the Jewish people within this neighborhood, giving it the name “Jewish Ghetto.” Pope Paul IV Carafa established it to control the city’s Jewish population, forcing them into impoverished conditions with restricted movement. Gates were locked at night, guarded by Christian families.
The Portico d’Ottavia tragically became a central point in one of history’s darkest chapters: on October 16, 1943, it was the gathering place for the deportation of Rome’s Jews to Nazi concentration camps.
As we walk through the neighborhood’s narrow alleys, you’ll notice numerous commemorative plaques on the walls, silent testaments to the past. You’ll also see unique stumbling blocks – golden brass cobblestones inscribed with “Deported Auschwitz” and the death dates of individuals, a powerful reminder of lost lives.
Our tour includes an external view of the Great Temple of Rome, the city’s largest synagogue, a vital landmark visible from many Roman viewpoints.
We then proceed to Piazza Mattei to admire the enchanting Fountain of the Turtles, a small monument with a beautiful and unique legend. It’s said that Duke Mattei had it built in a single night to impress the father of his intended bride. These legends add a magical layer to our exploration. (For more Roman legends, consider our Ghosts of Rome tour!)
Our walk concludes near the fountain at a building that served as a crucial refuge for Jews during World War II. The family residing there bravely sheltered many from the Nazi deportations, a heroic act of survival.
Portico d’Ottavia – Your first stop, dating back to 23 BC, is a reminder of the Roman Empire’s grandeur and the neighborhood’s ancient roots
Teatro di Marcello – The predecessor of the Colosseum, this lesser-known amphitheater played a key role in Rome’s architectural evolution
Great Synagogue of Rome – Admire the largest and most iconic Jewish place of worship in Rome (external visit)
Fountain of the Turtles in Piazza Mattei – A stunning Renaissance treasure wrapped in romantic legend
Stumbling Stones & Memorial Plaques – Brass plaques embedded in the streets that honor the victims of Nazi deportation
Visit the exterior of a building that became a WWII refuge for Jewish families
Stories of struggle, survival, and faith—told by passionate local guides who bring the past to life
This isn’t just a history lesson—it’s an emotional journey through triumphs and tragedies that shaped Rome. You’ll:
Jewish Ghetto
Theatre of Marcellus
Portico d’Ottavia
Great Synagogue of Rome (outside view)
Piazza Mattei
Fountain of the Turtles
WWII refuge building
A Journey Through History, Legends, and Resilience
This tour is so much more than a walk through historic streets—it’s an emotional, educational, and inspiring experience. Discover where legends were born, where injustice unfolded, and where courage quietly triumphed. You’ll never see Rome the same way again.
👉 Limited spots available – book now and be part of a journey that connects the past to the present, and the personal to the powerful.
Meeting Point: Roma, Italy
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