Ancient & Medieval Rome: Tour of the Jewish District & Trastevere

Dating back to the 2nd century BC, Rome’s Jewish community is the oldest in the Western world. Jews were forced to live in the Roman Ghetto at the foot of the Capitoline Hill from 1555 until 1870.

Shortly after Rome became the capital of Italy, the Ghetto was dismantled and Jews were granted citizenship. From 1901 to 1904 a monumental temple, the Great Synagogue, was built to commemorate the event, and it’s still the main Jewish temple in Rome.

After leaving the Jewish district we’ll cross the Pons Fabricius; dating back to 62 BC, it’s the oldest bridge in Rome. We’ll then reach Tiber Island and Trastevere. Developed on the right bank of the river as a district for merchants, sailors, fishermen, and foreigners, it’s a maze of winding, cobblestone streets lined with historical houses.

During the tour we’ll visit: Piazza Mattei, Via della Reginella, Portico d'Ottavia, the Great Synagogue (outside only), Ponte Rotto, Pons Fabricius, Tiber Island, Ponte Cestio, Piazza in Piscinula, Santa Cecilia, and the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere.