Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto Private Rome Tour

In Rome's historic Jewish neighborhood, see the Portico d’Ottavia monument and ancient ruins of temples, palaces, and theaters, and learn the rich history of the city's Jewish community. Before ending your tour beside the Great Jewish Synagogue, you'll also enjoy a traditional sweet treat known locally as Jewish Pizza.

Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto Private Tour Description

Your 3-hour Rome walking tour includes:

• Tailored private tour of Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto

• Visit the beautiful basilicas of Santa Maria and San Crisogono

• See the Portico d’Ottavia and Grand Jewish Synagogue

• Visit a traditional bakery where you can try "Jewish Pizza" (food not included)

• Your own friendly English-speaking local guide

Please be aware that a €3 entrance fee must be paid locally to access the crypt of the San Crisogono church.

Begin at Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere

Your tour starts in one of Rome's most historic neighborhoods, Trastevere.  Once you've met your local expert Rome guide, you'll start the tour by exploring the heart of the neighborhood, Piazza Santa Maria.  Here, you'll find the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria, one of Rome's oldest and most beautiful churches.  Your guide will unravel the history and stories surrounding this Roman treasure as you admire its external facade, before entering the site to discover more of its stunning works of art.

Explore Vibrant Trastevere

After visiting the church, you'll continue exploring more of Trastevere, walking down its beautiful cobblestone streets and learning more about the neighborhood. Soon you'll come to your second stop, a beautiful church that is rarely seen by tourists - San Crisogono. In true "off the beaten path" style, your guide will lead you underground, where you'll come across an archaeological site that dates back to the time of Constantine I. Explore the remains of the original church, as well as see ancient Roman houses and the remains of what were once beautiful frescoes now being restored!

From here, you'll continue your journey into the quieter side of Trastevere in search of the facade of a Medieval Roman synagogue. Many people associate Rome with Christianity, but there has been a Jewish community living in Rome for almost 2,000 years! Historically, the Romans were pagans, but they also respected the Jewish religion as it dated back much further than their own.  But, as your guide will reveal to you, this wasn't how they felt about all religions.

After meandering your way through the side-streets of Trastevere, you will cross the Tiber River, by way of Tiber Island. As you cross, your guide will point out a famous Roman bridge that many people overlook and explain the significance of this island and the bridges connecting it to the mainland. Once on the other side, you'll have officially entered the Jewish Ghetto, one of Rome’s most vibrant neighborhoods!

Jewish Ghetto

You'll begin exploring the Jewish area of Rome by passing through Piazza 16 October 1943, dedicated to a tragic day in history for the Roman-Jewish culture. You'll then approach the Portico d’Ottavia, an important monument of Ancient Rome, built in the Augustan era. Here, along the main drag of the neighborhood, you’ll discover Roman ruins, an iconic temple, a palace full of ancient carvings, and pass by an ancient theater that many mistake for the Colosseum. What's more, your guide will show you one of the most loved fountains in all of Rome, as you learn about the legend behind its "instant" construction and what happened as a result!

Once you've gotten a feel for the history of the Jewish Ghetto, you'll be introduced to its more modern side. This vibrant neighborhood is steeped in history, but it's also a foodie’s paradise. Walking down the main drag of the Jewish Ghetto, your guide will point out where to find the best kosher restaurants in Rome. Rome Jewish restaurants are aplenty, with many dishes to try like the traditional Jewish-style deep-fried whole artichokes. Of course, by now you must be getting a little hungry, so your guide will then take you to a a much-loved local bakery where you can try an amazing Jewish treat called "Pizza", but this is not the pizza you'll be familiar with. Here is a hint… it’s not savory!

Your tour will end in front of the Great Jewish Synagogue, one of the largest in all of Europe. Here your guide will introduce you to this important synagogue, and will let you know the opening hours and ticket details should you be interested in taking a guided tour of the interior.

As the tour ends close to lunchtime, your guide will also show you the best places to grab a bite to eat for lunch. The perfect ending to your cultural tour through Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto!