The Jewish Ghetto and the Jewish Museum of Rome

Although Rome is the only city in Europe never to expel Jews and has the longest history of the Jewish community since the second century BC, the life of Jews in Rome wasn’t necessary smooth either.

In 1555 a Papal Bull established the Ghetto and the Jews were forced to live inside this very small space with many restrictions implemented upon them until the unification of Italy in 1870. Afterward, the Jews were granted the citizenship of Italy.

The Jewish Ghetto was demolished.

The building that housed the Ghetto synagogue, which contained five synagogues with different traditions, was torn down. This aluminum roof synagogue then has been the city's largest Jewish temple and a Roman landmark since its 1904 construction.

Located in the basement of Great Synagogue, the Jewish Museum of Rome displays a permanent exhibition which is divided into seven rooms to depict the history of the Jewish community in Rome, with graphic panels and through documents, precious artifacts, textiles, and parchments. In the outdoor space, you can also see the marble carvings, once were used to decorate Cinque Scole, the five synagogues of the Ghetto. For security reasons, guided visits are mandatory.