Culinary History of the Jewish Ghetto of Rome

History of the Jewish Community in Rome

Rome is home to one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe, dating back to the II century AD. In 1555, due to the growing influence of the Roman Catholic Church in the city, the Jewish population of the city was segregated, in what became known as the Jewish Ghetto of Rome, located in the neighbourhood of Sant’Angelo. The hardship experienced in the ghetto led to a resilient population driven by faith and represented in culinary delights that have survived to this day. Today, visitors to Rome can experience some of the history and tastes of the Jewish Ghetto of Rome through visits to key sites and the abundance of fine restaurants.

The Jewish Ghetto of Rome: Top Sights

Inside Rome's history the Jewish Ghetto is riddled with hardships experienced by the confined residents, including flooding from the nearby Tiber River, personal space restrictions, and disease. However, today the neighbourhood located in the area of Via del Portico d’ Ottavia retains its culture and is a thriving neighbourhood. A visit to the area is not complete without experiencing the Synagogue of Rome. The current Synagogue was constructed after the unification of Italy in 1870 and served as a tribute to the end of the Jewish Ghetto of Rome.
Today, the Synagogue can be visited along with the attached Jewish Museum of Rome. They are open every day, except for Saturday and during Jewish holidays. The closest metro station is Colosseo.

Delicacies of the Jewish Ghetto of Rome

Through the adversities of segregated life, the Jewish population of Rome developed lasting dishes and unique culinary offerings. Today, the area is a known hot spot for foodies from around the world. The dishes were created from minimal ingredients and, even in modern times, the simplicity of the flavour combinations and compositions is impressive.
One of the most well-known of these simple dishes is fried artichokes. Artichokes were abundant and inexpensive, making them popular with the confined population in the ghetto due to their full flavour and nutritional value. Today, artichokes still feature prominently on the menus of restaurants in the area and are typically prepared following the traditional method of cleaning the vegetable and frying it whole, with salt and pepper used as seasoning.

Dining in Sant’Angelo: A Fusion of Past and Present

Throughout the area that comprised the former ghetto, visitors will have many options when it comes to traditional Jewish dining. The restaurants found in this area offer classic dishes, such as the fried artichokes described above, as well as more modern interpretations. These include fusions with other cuisines from around the world, such as Middle Eastern specialities, and kosher versions of well-known dishes, such as Roman style pizza.
The neighbourhood of the former Jewish Ghetto of Rome is easily accessible as it is in the centre of the city. Located close to attractions such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, the area is a great place to visit after a day of sightseeing or business meetings, when you will be eager to relax and replenish. The neighbourhood is best taken in on foot and is served by bus and metro links at the nearby Colosseo station.

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