Rome Jewish Ghetto & Synagogues Tour with Jewish Guide

Summary

Rome’s oldest community through local eyes, synagogues and hidden corners

You’ll walk Rome’s Jewish Ghetto with a local guide, step inside two historic synagogues and explore the Jewish Museum of Rome. Hear personal stories from WWII to today, taste traditional flavors, and see how ancient traditions still live on in everyday moments. This tour leaves you feeling connected — not just informed.

What’s the experience like?

First thing that happened: our guide, Miriam, greeted us in front of a bakery with this warm “shalom” and handed me a tiny piece of pizza ebraica — sweet, nutty, chewy. I’d never tasted anything like it. She laughed when I tried to say the name right (I definitely didn’t), then led us down these narrow cobbled streets where laundry hung overhead and old men argued softly in Italian. It felt like stepping into someone else’s memory.

The Rome Jewish Ghetto isn’t what I pictured — it’s quieter but alive in its own way. Miriam pointed at faded Hebrew inscriptions on stone walls, telling us about families who’d lived here for centuries and the hard years when the gates closed each night. There was a moment in front of the Great Synagogue when she paused, just looking up at its dome. “My grandfather hid here during the war,” she said quietly. I didn’t know what to say; sometimes silence feels right.

Inside the Jewish Museum of Rome, we wandered past silver menorahs and old wedding dresses. The Spanish Synagogue was smaller than I expected but full of color and light — blue tiles, gold details everywhere. You could smell old wood and something faintly floral from someone’s perfume nearby. We talked about traditions (I asked too many questions) and Miriam answered every one without rushing us along.

I keep thinking about that walk by the river after — how you can feel both heavy and hopeful at once in places like this. If you want a day trip in Rome that actually sticks with you, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Jewish Ghetto and Synagogues

• Visit Jewish Museum and synagogues
• Walk narrow streets of former ghetto
• Meet locals and hear WWII stories

Top questions

How long is the Rome Jewish Ghetto & Synagogues tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours total.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or strollers allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join in a pram or stroller.

Which sites do we visit during the tour?

You’ll visit the Rome Jewish Ghetto, the Jewish Museum of Rome, and two synagogues: Spanish and Great Synagogue.

Who leads the tour?

A Jewish Roman guide leads your group through all sites.

Is pickup included for this day trip?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at a central location in Rome.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the meeting point.

Is there a minimum number of participants required?

The tour requires at least 6 participants to confirm booking.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to both synagogues (Spanish and Great), access to the Jewish Museum of Rome with your local guide sharing stories across 22 centuries of history; all areas are wheelchair accessible so everyone can join comfortably.