The "Ebrei" of Rome claim to be the oldest continuous Jewish community in the world, outside of Jerusalem. Get a window on to 2000 years of their history, including those brought to Rome as slaves in 70 CE/AD, the various ancient and medieval congregations, the influx of Jews from Spain and later Libya, the 300 years in the Papal-imposed Ghetto, the 20th century’s Race Laws, Nazi occupation and deportation, to the flourishing, proud 15,000 strong of today!
Tours can take on many forms including an option of a private tour of the main Jewish Temple and Museum. Typical tours would include the ex-ghetto neighborhood and if time, other Jewish historical sites such as Campo dei Fiori, the Island in the Tiber and Trastevere.
This tour also works well in conjunction with all or part of "Ancient Rome," which includes the Roman Forum's Arch of Titus, commemorating the conquest of Jerusalem and destruction of the Holy Temple in 70 CE. and the Coliseum, built with the spoils from the Jewish/Roman War.
Longer tours (possibly with car hire) could include the Moses statue by Michelangelo at San Pietro
in Vincoli, the former Jewish cemetery (now a Rose Garden) on the Aventine Hill, the Museum of Liberation, the Fosse Ardeatine WWII monument, the ruins of the ancient synagogue at Ostia Antica.
The two surviving ancient Jewish catacombs are rarely open to the public, BUT I do have a permission to organize private tours there. Not cheap, but if you are interested, let me know!
ps the food in the Ghetto is famous, especially the fried artichokes, zucchine flowers and fried cod
NOTE I also have a Jewish Guide in Florence if you are going there. With her you can do a private tour of the synagogue of Florence, and/or Siena and/or visit “Little Jerusalem” - Pitigliano in Tuscany!
Email: Info@RomanHolidayTours.com. Italian cell: +39-347-076-2480. Skype: LauraWeinstein.
