Guide to the Jewish Ghetto in Rome

The places, the history and the life of Roman Jews

Whenever people come to see the Jewish Ghetto in Rome, they are a bit underwhelmed at first. Besides the synagogue and the many kosher restaurants, at first glance there does not seem to be a lot to see.

However, the ghetto is a very interesting area with a painful history. Once you know this history and the places associated with it, the area becomes much more alive. The Roman Jewish community was one of the oldest in Europe and one of the last to gain its freedom. The story of the Roman Jews is different from those of other Jewish communities and not well known by the general public.

For a very long time, the Jewish community in Rome — older even than the Christian community — lived in abject poverty in this area. They were forbidden to leave the ghetto at night, could work in only a few professions, had to wear distinctive clothing, and had far fewer rights than Christian Roman citizens.

This guidebook includes:

• A clear and accessible overview of the complicated history of the Roman Jews
• A detailed explanation of daily life inside the historic ghetto
• Descriptions of many important places of interest, both inside and outside the old ghetto area
• Historical context that brings the streets, buildings, and stories to life

Reading this book is an excellent preparation for a visit to the ghetto, but it can also be enjoyed even without immediate plans to go to Rome. The history of the Jewish community in Rome is fascinating enough to read on its own.