Best Places for a Jewish Tour in Italy

Jews have been in Italy for a very long time, and it did not start well. About 2000 years ago, Rome attacked Jerusalem and stole treasures from the temples and the Jews. The stolen things funded a gigantic amphitheater, which is now known as the Colosseum.

Italy has witnessed both dark and beautiful history of the Jews, making it the best destination for Jewish tours.

Here are some of the must-visit places in Italy. 

Jewish Museum

There are multiple Jewish museums in Italy, but the most recent museum was The National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah, or MEIS. Located strategically between the historical places of Venice and Bologna, the museum was once a prison building.

The museum features an exhibition about the dark history of the Jews, among others.

Jewish Ghetto or Roman Ghetto 

One can say that this is the best Jewish attraction in Rome. This place has witnessed one of the most heartbreaking brutalities of the Nazis during the Second World War. During that time, the German government declared that the Jews in Rome will not be sent to concentration camps if they pay a gold ransom. However, even though the ransom was raised by the Jewish community, they were still ransacked on October 16, 1943, and deported almost 2000 people, and only 16 Jewish survived.

But despite the dark history, the community still strived. Over the years, the place has become a beautiful neighborhood filled with restaurants and synagogues.

Jewish Catacombs

A century ago, the Jewish catacombs were discovered and archeologically excavation went on for the next 12 years. However, the most well-known Christian catacomb was just opened for public viewing in 2016.

Base on the discovery, the catacombs were built in the second and third centuries, and are thought to have remained in use until the fifth century.

There are 6 Jewish catacombs but only one can be visited. The tour will last for at least three hours and the itinerary includes “Kokhim” graves which are beautifully painted and a view of galleries too.

Arch of Titus

One of the greatest surviving structures in the ancient Roman Empire. This was built as a memorial for the military triumphs of Emperor Titus, including the Great Revolt of the Jews.

It became more famous because of the engraving depicts of soldiers holding up a golden menorah in victory. Since the arch was completed, it became a tradition of the Jews in Rome not to walk below the arch.