Another date with our heading #storytells.
Today we’d like to talk about the area where Hotel Monte Cenci is located: the Roman Jewish Ghetto, that is one of the most beautiful hidden treasures of the city.
The Roman Ghetto was established in the Rione Sant’Angelo in 1555, in Rome, Italy. It was surrounded by one of the main street of the area ‘Via del Portico d’Ottavia’ (3 min walking from Hotel Monte Cenci) . In the past, life in the ghetto was highly restrictive, above all regarding the type of job Jews were allowed to occupy. They were authorized only to perform unskilled jobs, like secondhand dealers, ragmen and fish mongers. Moreover, they could be pawnbrokers and this type of job grew the hatred of Christians.
Today the Jewish Ghetto is one of Rome’s most unique neighborhoods, a hidden pearl between Tiber river (Fiume Tevere) and Venice Square (Piazza Venezia). It is full of traditional roman restaurants specialized in Rome Jewish cuisine (cucina romanesco ebraica) like fried artichokes, which are known as carciofi alla giudia, and Italian leather goods’ shops.
Some of the best restaurants of Roman Ghetto definitely are ‘Giggetto al Portico’, a traditional and historical place of this area, Nonna Betta and Sora Margherita.
The main attractions of this area are: the Synagogue, the Portico d’Ottavia, Teatro Marcello and the Fountain of Turtles.
One of the most popular roman places is of the Tempio Maggiore Synagogue. Place of prayers and a cultural reference point, the Synagogue is a distinctive part of Rome skyline.
The Portico d’Ottavia is a very interesting and magic place. Dated back to the 2nd century BC was a fish market and then a church. We really invite you to go having a walk around there!
Teatro Marcello, also called ‘small’ Colosseum, is an ancient roman theatre, built during the era of Roman Republic. In this space visitors and locals were allowed to perform dramas and songs. Today is one of the most attractive places in the eternal city.
The Fountain of Turtles was built during italian Renaissance and it is located in Piazza Mattei, which name was given from the same person who commanded its building. At that time the main purpose of the fountain was to provide water to roman people.
Have you ever been at Roman Jewish Ghetto? Tell us your experience!
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