Trastevere, Isola Tiberina, Jewish Ghetto – Walking Tour

An oft-overlooked jewel, Trastevere is one of the loveliest neighborhoods in Rome. With clean, charming streets draped in foliage and bougainvillea flowers, its welcoming atmosphere makes Trastevere a paradise for those seeking the real heart of the city. While a beloved tourist site, Trastevere remains itself and retains its genuine, artistic personality. Enjoy a guided tour through the city, and bring your own tickets to stop by any sites that you would like to enter and explore.

Trastevere was a refuge in the sixth century for immigrants, particularly Jews, and is still home to the city’s oldest synagogue. The synagogue is no longer in use, but the neighborhood now contains at least one Catholic private school and several international universities.

Another one of Rome’s most sublime features is the Isola Tiberina or Tiber Island. This relatively small island stands in the Tiber River and has historically maintained a symbolic connection to Asclepius, a Greek god of medicine. Tiber Island once hosted a temple dedicated to Asclepius, son of Apollo, and in keeping with its theme of healing, today it is the home of the Fatebenefratelli Hospital. Allegedly, Tiber Island was even used to hide and protect Jews from the Nazis in 1943. Isola Tiberina’s kind and hospitable traditions make it a dearly vital piece of Italy.