Rome may be home to the Pope and the centre of Catholicism but it is also the capital of Italy and a major urban area. As a result, there are plenty of people of all sorts of faiths in the city and, in particular, the city is home to one of the world’s oldest Jewish populations who have remained despite the various efforts to force them out throughout history, so if you were considering spending the Holidays in Italy then you might be glad to know that it is not only a wonderful place for those who celebrate Christmas, with all sorts Christmas-themed things to see and do, but it is also a wonderful place to spend Hanukkah. While the general cheer and excitement of lights, markets, good food, and shopping can be enjoyed universally and make a vacation in Rome all the more wonderful, picturesque, and enjoyable during the winter, there are also specific events and attractions pertaining to those who are of the Jewish faith that will make a trip in the city at this time all the more memorable and meaningful. So, if you want to do something different for Hanukkah this year but don’t want to miss out on tradition, then Rome really is a perfect place to spend the Holidays in Italy. Here are some of the main things to keep an eye out for...
1. The Giant Menorah in Piazza Barberini
The pretty Piazza Barberini is home to a massive menorah each year that measures around 6m or 20ft in height. Lit up for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, the square is a focal point for Hanukkah celebrations in Rome and is where members of the community gather for a public lighting ceremony with festive food, wine, music, dancing, commemorations, and more.
For those after something a little more low-key while on holiday in Rome, however, there is a smaller menorah on display in the Piazza Bologna and another at the fountain in Piazza Mattei, both with a lighting ceremony that generally involves and attracts fewer people.
The pretty Piazza Barberini is home to a massive menorah each year that measures around 6m or 20ft in height. Lit up for each of the eight nights of Hanukkah, the square is a focal point for Hanukkah celebrations in Rome and is where members of the community gather for a public lighting ceremony with festive food, wine, music, dancing, commemorations, and more.
For those after something a little more low-key while on holiday in Rome, however, there is a smaller menorah on display in the Piazza Bologna and another at the fountain in Piazza Mattei, both with a lighting ceremony that generally involves and attracts fewer people.
2. The Great Synagogue
Obviously already a major attraction for many Jewish people spending Hanukkah in Rome, the Great Synagogue, or Tempio Maggiore, of Rome also hosts various activities throughout the Holidays if you’re looking for some wholesome family fun.
Finished in 1904, according to designs by the architects Osvaldo Armanni and Vincenzo Costa and inspired by Assyro-Babylonian patterns, this gorgeous synagogue plays host to various special activities throughout the season such as dreidel playing, arts and crafts, showcases of the children’s choir singing Hanukkah songs, and more. Furthermore, the basement of the Great Synagogue is also home to the city’s Jewish Museum, if you’re looking to learn more about the fascinating and rich history of Judaism in Rome.
The public lighting ceremony that takes place each day in the square in front of the Synagogue is also well-worth attending as their own excellent choir sings at it.
Obviously already a major attraction for many Jewish people spending Hanukkah in Rome, the Great Synagogue, or Tempio Maggiore, of Rome also hosts various activities throughout the Holidays if you’re looking for some wholesome family fun.
Finished in 1904, according to designs by the architects Osvaldo Armanni and Vincenzo Costa and inspired by Assyro-Babylonian patterns, this gorgeous synagogue plays host to various special activities throughout the season such as dreidel playing, arts and crafts, showcases of the children’s choir singing Hanukkah songs, and more. Furthermore, the basement of the Great Synagogue is also home to the city’s Jewish Museum, if you’re looking to learn more about the fascinating and rich history of Judaism in Rome.
The public lighting ceremony that takes place each day in the square in front of the Synagogue is also well-worth attending as their own excellent choir sings at it.
3. Get your hands on delicious treats
If you’re on vacation in Rome in winter, no matter what faith you follow, if any, you should head to the city’s ancient and beautiful Jewish Ghetto (located between the Tiber river and the Piazza Venezia) if you want to eat well. Often missed out by many tourists visiting the city, this district is home to some truly incredible Kosher eateries and there are all sorts of delicious local specialities to be discovered. Among the best-known restaurants in the area are the famous Taverna del Ghetto, Nonna Betta, Giggetto al Portico d’Ottavia, and Sora Margherita restaurants and the excellent Boccione bakery. Specific seasonal treats that you should keep an eye out for if you are on vacation in Rome over the Holidays include: the beloved and deliciously crispy and moist Pollo Fritto per Chanuka or fried chicken, which is a central dish that is marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, nutmeg, and garlic before being dipped in egg and flour and fried in hot oil; Fritelle di Patate, which are fried and mashed potato pancakes that are often served alongside the fried chicken; Fritelle di Chanukah, which are sweet and fluffy fried doughnut-like treats filled with raisins, flavoured with aniseed, and served drizzled in honey; Precipizi, another type of somewhat sweet treat that is in the shape of a ball of dough, infused with olive oil and honey, and often served as a centrepiece piled into a pyramid shape; and Torta di Ricotta, which is a Ricotta Pie that is filled with either sour cherries and/or chocolate.
In addition, though not necessarily in season during the winter (but commonly found in restaurants no matter when you visit throughout the year today), both Carciofi alla Giudia (artichokes) and Melanzane alla Giudia (fried eggplant) are two other popular and famous Jewish dishes from Rome. Both dishes have been adopted throughout the city but they are definitely best tried while eating in the place that birthed them! So, if you want to indulge in the tradition of eating heartily during the winter and you’re after some delicious carbs, then you’d better head to the Jewish Ghetto in Rome this Holiday Season while on holiday in Rome!
With plenty of delicious things to eat, a rich (though incredibly tragic, at times) history to explore, one of the loveliest parts of the city to discover, traditions to enjoy, events to attend, and more, Hanukkah is a wonderful time to vacation in Rome. Spend the Holidays in the capital of Italy and discover it at its prettiest and most enjoyable!
If you’re on vacation in Rome in winter, no matter what faith you follow, if any, you should head to the city’s ancient and beautiful Jewish Ghetto (located between the Tiber river and the Piazza Venezia) if you want to eat well. Often missed out by many tourists visiting the city, this district is home to some truly incredible Kosher eateries and there are all sorts of delicious local specialities to be discovered. Among the best-known restaurants in the area are the famous Taverna del Ghetto, Nonna Betta, Giggetto al Portico d’Ottavia, and Sora Margherita restaurants and the excellent Boccione bakery. Specific seasonal treats that you should keep an eye out for if you are on vacation in Rome over the Holidays include: the beloved and deliciously crispy and moist Pollo Fritto per Chanuka or fried chicken, which is a central dish that is marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, nutmeg, and garlic before being dipped in egg and flour and fried in hot oil; Fritelle di Patate, which are fried and mashed potato pancakes that are often served alongside the fried chicken; Fritelle di Chanukah, which are sweet and fluffy fried doughnut-like treats filled with raisins, flavoured with aniseed, and served drizzled in honey; Precipizi, another type of somewhat sweet treat that is in the shape of a ball of dough, infused with olive oil and honey, and often served as a centrepiece piled into a pyramid shape; and Torta di Ricotta, which is a Ricotta Pie that is filled with either sour cherries and/or chocolate.
In addition, though not necessarily in season during the winter (but commonly found in restaurants no matter when you visit throughout the year today), both Carciofi alla Giudia (artichokes) and Melanzane alla Giudia (fried eggplant) are two other popular and famous Jewish dishes from Rome. Both dishes have been adopted throughout the city but they are definitely best tried while eating in the place that birthed them! So, if you want to indulge in the tradition of eating heartily during the winter and you’re after some delicious carbs, then you’d better head to the Jewish Ghetto in Rome this Holiday Season while on holiday in Rome!
With plenty of delicious things to eat, a rich (though incredibly tragic, at times) history to explore, one of the loveliest parts of the city to discover, traditions to enjoy, events to attend, and more, Hanukkah is a wonderful time to vacation in Rome. Spend the Holidays in the capital of Italy and discover it at its prettiest and most enjoyable!
