Great Synagogue of Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy and once the heart of the ancient Roman world, has an array of famous attractions, most of which are located the historic center. The Great Synagogue of Rome (Tempio Maggiore) in the Jewish Ghetto is one of the most beautiful attractions in Italy’s capital city, only a short walk from other main tourist landmarks. The Ghetto area itself is not that large and definitely deserves a visit.
Tempio Maggiore is the largest synagogue in Rome and has an extremely informative and comprehensive museum in the basement. One can quickly learn a lot about the history of the Ghetto and the Italian Jews. The Great Synagogue of Rome is truly remarkable and it is the only square dome in all of Rome, definitely not to be missed.
The Museum of Jewish Art was opened in 1960, featuring a collection of artifacts and documentary materials originating mostly from the demolition of the Jewish schools. This museum represents the historical, artistic and cultural patrimony of the Jewish ghetto, where the Roman Jews were forced to live. Designed by Italian architects Vincenzo Costa and Osvaldo Armanni, it was filled with manuscripts, archive materials, ritual silverware, precious cloths and artifacts from the early days of Jews in the city of Rome through current day. This includes the history of the ghetto and terrific photos. You can easily spend hours going round and reading everything there is, even if the museum is not that large. The museum has excellent explanation in English, both written and audio. A large sector of the Museum is dedicated to the tragedy of the persecutions.
Situated on Lungotevere de’ Cenci, very close to the Tiber River, from June to September it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday), and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. From October to May, the Great Synagogue opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, while on Friday it opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 2:00 p.m. Access for disabled visitors is available. No cameras are allowed inside the Synagogue, even on cellphones.

Tags: religious sites in Rome, sacred sites in Rome