View Article: Jewish Ghetto Preliminary Research

	Jewish Ghetto Preliminary Research
	written by Eliana Hechter / 07.04.2004

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Site Location

The historical Jewish ghetto is located in the Travestere neighborhood in Rome. The main street is Via del Portico d'Ottavia.

Site History

There has been a Jewish presence in Rome since the 2nd century BC. In 1556, Pope Paul IV decreed that Jews would live inside the perimeter of a high wall. Governing strictures included not being allowed outside the gates at night, being forced to wear a yellow hat, restrictions on certain jobs, and mandatory Sunday sermons in Pescheria. It was not until 1870 that these practices were discontinued altogether. The ghetto remains a Jewish neighborhood to this day.

The Virtual Jewish History Tour by Rebecca Weiner : An overview of Jewish history and interesting sites to visit in Rome.

Elements of Interest

Great Synagogue of Rome

The synagogue in 1904, shortly after the ghetto was razed.

The Synagogue

The synagogue in modern day.

In Via del Portico d'Ottavia there are some remnants of the original buildings which comprised the ghetto. Near the Tiber is the synagogue, built between 1874 and 1904 shortly after the demolition of the old ghetto. The style of architecture includes elements of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman decorations. The form of Judaism practiced within the synagogue is uniquely Italian, Nusach Italki, a variation on Sephardic Judaism. Inside the synagogue is a museum which recounts the entire history of the Roman Jews.

Narrating over the Ghetto of Rome by L. Scott Lerner : An informative paper on the history of the Roman ghetto.

Analyze Image

Ghetto in Rome

A view of a ghetto street in the late nineteenth century.

This picture gives a bleak perspective on the living conditions in the ghetto. It is an interesting contrast to the image of Roman Jewish life today, the Great Synagogue of Rome. There are no people in the picture, which contributes to a sense of desolation.

Site Questions

Do Roman Jews feel a greater sense of solidarity because they are so close to the Vatican?

Why did the architects of the synagogue choose such a church-like facade?

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