Rome’s Jewish ghetto was once a place of horrors and persecution. Now, this region of the city is quickly attracting locals and tourist alike, not just for its history, but for the fabulous nightlife, restaurants, and of course, fried artichokes.

In 1555, a papal bull by the Catholic church was issued, stating that all Jews in the city (who for many centuries enjoyed relative freedom) gathered up and forced to live within a walled neighborhood. This site, next to the Tiber river was less than ideal, as the river constantly flooded, damaging the ghetto every time. From this date till the unification of Italy in the mid 19th century, all Jews were forced to live in this confined, poor, and dirty neighborhood. Thousands of people lived literally on top of one another in the worst conditions in the city for over 300 years. 

Today, most of the ghetto has been torn down. However, there are still remnants of the old ghetto, with its old gated entrances, Rome’s main synagogue, and a Jewish museum. The ghetto, or at least the area where it once stood is now home to a bustling and vibrant neighborhood. With fabulous restaurants and wine bars, it has turned into a hot spot for many to visit.

If you plan to visit Rome, be sure to take a walk through the ghetto, and don’t leave without trying the traditional fried artichoke. It’s a specialty in Rome and a traditional of the Jewish culture. Order the Carciofi alla guidia at any restaurant. The artichoke is smashed down on its face, the leaves are left on, and the whole artichoke is fried in olive oil and spices until the leaves become crisp and crunchy. 

There are many walking tours through this part of the city. Learning about the history and partaking in the activities of this area is a great experience for visitors.