Rome Jewish Ghetto Audio Tour: Synagogue & Portico Walk

Summary

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Rome’s Jewish Quarter

Step into Rome’s Jewish Ghetto and discover centuries of stories, food, and architecture at your own pace. This audio tour brings history to life, with stops at the Great Synagogue, Portico d’Ottavia, and a taste of local kosher treats. Perfect for curious travelers who want to explore deeper.

What’s the experience like?

Right after crossing the Tiber, you’ll feel the pace shift. The air smells faintly of fried artichokes—someone’s prepping them early at Nonna Betta’s. I started my walk in Piazza delle Cinque Scole, where the old synagogues once stood. Our audio guide chimed in, sharing how this square got its name from the five “Scole”—synagogues—that used to fill the area. Now, it’s mostly chatter from locals and the clink of espresso cups, but you can still sense the history under your feet.

The Great Synagogue isn’t hard to spot—its silver dome catches the sun even on a cloudy day. Our guide explained how it was built in 1904, after the Ghetto walls finally came down. Inside, the colors and patterns are nothing like any other church or temple in Rome. If you time it right, you might hear the low hum of prayers drifting out as people come and go. I lingered outside, just watching families gather on the steps.

Wandering further, the Portico d’Ottavia suddenly appears—massive columns and ancient stone, right in the middle of daily life. Augustus built it for his sister Octavia, and you can still see bits of the original temples tucked behind the arch. There’s a bakery nearby that’s easy to miss, but the scent of cinnamon and almonds will pull you in. I grabbed a couple of chewy ricotta cookies and just sat for a bit, listening to the mix of Italian and Hebrew floating through the street.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Rome's Jewish Ghetto

• Scola Synagogues area
• Visit Great Synagogue of Rome
• See Portico of Octavia

Top questions

Is this audio tour suitable for kids or families?

Absolutely! The route is stroller-friendly and there’s plenty to see for all ages. Kids often love the bakery stop.

Do I need internet to use the audio tour?

Nope, you can download everything in advance and use it offline—maps, audio, and directions included.

Can I visit inside the Great Synagogue during the tour?

The audio covers the exterior and history, but entry depends on synagogue opening hours and ticket availability.

What’s included

You’ll get lifetime access to the self-guided audio tour through the VoiceMap app, with offline maps and directions—so you can wander without worrying about WiFi or data. All you need is your phone and headphones.