How long does it take to walk from the Ghetto to Trastevere?

The direct walk takes about 15-20 minutes, but a comprehensive neighborhood stroll with stops at landmarks like Tiber Island and the Great Synagogue typically takes 2 to 3 hours. The total distance is roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 km).

Is the Jewish Ghetto in Rome worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of Rome's most historically significant areas, offering a unique blend of ancient Roman ruins and medieval architecture. It is also famous for its distinct Roman-Jewish cuisine, such as carciofi alla giudia (deep-fried artichokes).

Can I visit Tiber Island for free?

Yes, Tiber Island is a public space and can be accessed for free at any time via the Ponte Fabricio or Ponte Cestio. It is a popular spot for a scenic river walk and offers great views of the Tiber.

What is the best time for a Trastevere neighborhood stroll?

The best time is late afternoon or early evening. This allows you to see the historic churches before they close and experience the neighborhood as it transforms into a lively dining and social hub at sunset.

Are there many hills on this walking route?

No, this specific route is mostly flat as it follows the river level. However, the cobblestone streets (San Pietrini) can be tiring on the feet, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

Is Rome's Jewish Ghetto safe at night?

The Jewish Ghetto is considered one of the safest and most peaceful neighborhoods in Rome's historic center. It remains well-lit and active in the evenings due to its many popular restaurants.

What are the highlights of a Trastevere walking route?

Key highlights include the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, the medieval Piazza in Piscinula, and the ivy-covered side streets. The area is best known for its authentic atmosphere and artistic heritage.

How do I get to the start of the walk at Piazza Mattei?

The easiest way to reach the start is by taking a bus or tram to Largo di Torre Argentina, which is a major transit hub just a 5-minute walk from the Tortoise Fountain.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

2 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step away from the typical tourist trails and immerse yourself in the layered history of Rome on this self-guided walk from the Jewish Ghetto to the bohemian alleys of Trastevere. This neighborhood stroll captures the transition from ancient Roman grandeur to the intimate, medieval charm of the city's left bank. Your journey begins in the heart of the former Ghetto, a district defined by centuries of resilience and a unique culinary heritage. As you navigate these narrow streets, you will encounter the haunting beauty of the Portico d'Ottavia and the monumental presence of the Great Synagogue, standing as a testament to one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe. This walking route highlights the architectural evolution of Rome, where 16th-century fountains and ancient ruins exist side-by-side with modern life. Crossing the Tiber River is a symbolic transition, taking you via the historic Tiber Island—a site associated with healing for over two millennia. Once across the water, the atmosphere shifts as you enter Trastevere. This part of the walking tour Rome experience focuses on the hidden gems of the 'Rione', from the quiet, residential Piazza in Piscinula to the glittering golden mosaics of Santa Maria in Trastevere. Whether you are interested in religious history, ancient architecture, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, this self-guided adventure offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Discover the stories of the Mattei family, the legends of the Tiber, and the enduring spirit of Rome's most authentic neighborhoods without the constraints of a rigid schedule.

Highlights

The Renaissance elegance of the Tortoise Fountain
Ancient Roman ruins at the Portico d'Ottavia
The monumental Great Synagogue of Rome
A walk across the historic, boat-shaped Tiber Island
The medieval houses of Piazza in Piscinula
Golden 12th-century mosaics in Santa Maria in Trastevere

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Fontana delle Tartarughe

Welcome to Piazza Mattei, home to one of Rome’s most charming Renaissance landmarks: the Fontana delle Tartarughe, or Tortoise Fountain. Designed by Giacomo della Porta in the late 16th century, it features four bronze youths holding up dolphins. Legend says the powerful Duke Mattei had it built in a single night to impress his future father-in-law, though history suggests a more gradual construction. The bronze tortoises climbing into the upper basin were actually added nearly a century later, often attributed to the great Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This square was the private domain of the Mattei family, who were so influential they held the keys to the nearby Ghetto gates.

2

Portico d'Ottavia

Standing before the Portico d'Ottavia, you are looking at a magnificent collage of Roman history. Originally built by Augustus in the 1st century BC and dedicated to his sister Octavia, this massive structure once housed libraries and temples. Over the centuries, it was repurposed as a medieval fish market, which operated here until the late 19th century. Notice the Christian church, Sant'Angelo in Pescheria, built right into the ancient ruins. This site marks the entrance to the historic Jewish Ghetto, established in 1555. The ruins serve as a somber reminder of the community's long history, including the 1943 deportation during World War II.

3

Great Synagogue of Rome

The Tempio Maggiore, or Great Synagogue, is an unmistakable landmark on the Roman skyline. Completed in 1904, shortly after the walls of the Ghetto were finally torn down, its architecture is intentionally distinct from the city’s many Catholic basilicas. The unique square aluminum dome and Babylonian-inspired motifs were chosen to celebrate the Jewish community's newfound freedom and citizenship. It stands on the site of the former Ghetto, which for over 300 years was a cramped, walled-in district subject to the flooding of the Tiber. Today, it remains the spiritual and cultural heart of Roman Jews, whose presence in the city dates back to the 2nd century BC.

4

Tiber Island

As you cross the Ponte Fabricio—the oldest original bridge in Rome, dating to 62 BC—you reach Tiber Island. This small, boat-shaped island has been a place of healing since the 3rd century BC, when a temple to Aesculapius, the god of medicine, was established here. Legend says the island formed around the discarded grain of the hated tyrant Tarquin the Proud. Today, the tradition of healing continues with the Fatebenefratelli Hospital. The island offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle, with its stone embankments and the rushing water of the Tiber. It serves as the physical and metaphorical bridge between the Ghetto and Trastevere.

5

Piazza in Piscinula

Welcome to the quieter side of Trastevere. Piazza in Piscinula feels like a step back into the Middle Ages. The square is named after the ancient 'piscinulae' or baths that once existed here. Look for the Casa dei Mattei, a group of 14th-century houses that belonged to the same noble family you encountered at the Tortoise Fountain. This area escaped much of the heavy-handed 19th-century urban renewal that changed other parts of Rome. Take a moment to appreciate the small bell tower of San Benedetto in Piscinula; it is said to be the smallest Romanesque bell tower in the city, housing a bell cast in 1069.

6

Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere

The walk concludes at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome. While the current structure dates largely to the 1140s, a house-church was established on this spot as early as the 3rd century. The facade is famous for its 12th-century golden mosaics depicting the Virgin Mary. Inside, you'll find a forest of ancient Roman columns salvaged from the Baths of Caracalla. The shimmering apse mosaics by Pietro Cavallini are a masterpiece of medieval art. The piazza outside, with its central fountain, is the social heart of the neighborhood—a perfect place to sit and reflect on your journey through Roman history.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the Jewish Ghetto is often considered the best way to see the area, as it allows you to explore the narrow alleys and historic sites like the Portico d'Ottavia at your own pace. This route connects the Ghetto's history with the vibrant culture of Trastevere across the river.