ROME private tour: mouth of truth, Jewish Ghetto, Tiberine Island

The guided tour of this corner of the Eternal City starts from one of the most famous and cinematographic symbols, namely the Bocca della Verità, an ancient marble mask that was used as a manhole in Roman times. Its name is linked to a curious and fascinating medieval legend according to which the mouth could bite the hand of those who did not affirm the truth and became one of the most photographed sculptures thanks also to the film Roman Holiday.

From here we visit the adjacent medieval church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin and continue towards the Tiber river and Foro Boario, the ancient cattle market, from which you can still admire the beautiful Fountain of the Tritons and the ancient Roman Temple of Hercules winner. and Portuno. Walking along the Tiber river, we cross the Ponte Fabricio, the oldest in Rome, to reach the Tiber Island, the only urban island in the river that crosses the city. We visit the Baroque Basilica of San Bartolomeo all ‘isola, the only church present here, and then enter the Jewish quarter, which was transformed into a ghetto during the Second World War.

The Roman Theater of Marcellus, commissioned by the Roman emperor Augustus, introduces us to one of the most characteristic places in the city, with its travertine façade still visible and is one of the oldest surviving Roman spectacle buildings. From here opens the beautiful Portico d ’Ottavia and the great Synagogue, a place of Jewish worship and a series of suggestive alleys takes us to the heart of the ancient ghetto. The tour continues to discover Catholic churches, shops of Jewish crafts and the historic ovens of the neighborhood where Challah, the typical Jewish briochiato bread and traditional Jewish sweets with honey and nuts are still produced. We will also discover the beautiful Renaissance palaces and the characteristic Fountain of the Turtles in marble and bronze with the turtles made by Bernini.

The tour ends by strolling through the alleys and squares of the neighborhood that offer the opportunity to experience kosher cuisine in one of the characteristic trattorias that offer traditional Jewish menus.

Included:

• Walking tour with licensed tour guide
• External visit of the monuments

Not included:

• Food and drinks
• Transfer service

What to bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Water
• Sun hat on hot days

Meeting point:

• Piazza della Bocca della Verità square (entrance to the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin)