Jewish Ghetto of Rome
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Jewish Ghetto of Rome, Portico d'Ottavia - by Gabriella Clare Marino on Unsplash
Description
The Ghetto of Rome was established in 1555 in the Rione Sant'Angelo through a papal bull (Cum nimis absurdum) issued by Pope Paul IV. It revoked all the rights of the Jewish community and imposed restrictions on them in the Papal States, which lasted until the capture of Rome in 1870 as part of the Risorgimento. Even though Rome's Jewish community was one of the oldest outside of the Middle East, they were forced to live into a walled quarter between Ponte Fabricio, Portico d'Ottavia, and the Tiber River. The gates were locked at night and the Jews were forbidden to do any skilled labour or own property, living in poverty in a disease-prone area worsened by cramped living quarters. The Great Synagogue of Rome was built there.
Access & Transport
The Roman Ghetto is 500m south of the Pantheon, by the Tiber River. The tram stations Arenula/Cairoli (8) and Arenula/Min. Giustizia (8) are the easiest way to get there with Venezia (8) also an option. The area is also well served by buses along Lungtovere de' Cenci, Via Arenula and Via del Teatro di Marcello.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining a visit there with the Trastevere neighbourhood or Piazza Venezia & Vittorio Emanuele II Monument
Environmental & Social
Very urban with no green spaces. Part of the architectural and historical heritage of the neighbourhood and the city
Conclusion
The Roman Ghetto is a compact area that deserves a visit, if only as the perfect opportunity to learn more about the history of the city and religious tolerance under the papacy... But there are other layers that will reward the urban explorers with some little-visited antique ruins and some traditional trattorias serving a unique cuisine, mix or Roman and Jew traditions.
Key positive
Plenty of architectural monuments still left and no crowds
Interesting (and tragic) history
Some good traditional restaurants
Key negative
None
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
August 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:1h 15m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo