Piazza Mattei: Our most recommended tours and activities

Rome: Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour

1. Rome: Jewish Ghetto Walking Tour

Discover the beauty of one of Rome’s most well-kept secrets, the neighborhood of the Jewish Ghetto. Meet your friendly and professional tour guide at Trajan's Column in the center of Rome and begin your journey into the history of one of Rome’s oldest neighborhoods. Explore architecture and neighborhoods from 2000 years ago. Pass by the Theater of Marcellus, and the Portico d’Ottavia to see some of the ancient structures still being used today. Your guide will take you to a Gelateria where you will be treated to homemade Kosher gelato. From here you will go to Piazza Mattei and see the famous Turtle Fountain. Then pass by the last remaining piece of the wall that kept the Jewish community in this area for centuries. You will learn about the tumultuous past and resilience of Rome’s Jews as you pass the Great Synagogue. Next, cross the oldest functioning bridge in Rome as you go onto Tiber Island. Listen to the stories about the hospital saving people during WWII as well as the story of Asclepius at the temple, now a church. Your guide will bring history to life for you as you conclude your tour here on the island.

Rome: Jewish Ghetto & Campo de Fiori by Night Food Tour

2. Rome: Jewish Ghetto & Campo de Fiori by Night Food Tour

Enjoy an intimate food and culture tour of Rome in the evening, and see the major sights of the “Eternal City” as you feast on homemade pasta, pastries, and more. Meet your guide on Piazza Mattei in the Jewish Ghetto, and stroll off to discover ancient squares that hum with restaurants and market life.  See baroque fountains and statues that strike poses before imposing architecture. Stop at 7 different tasting venues en route, including restaurants, delicatessens, and other notable sites. Go to Piazza Navona, built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian and site of a city market in the late 15th century. See some of Rome’s finest baroque architecture, and Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers). Visit the site of a medieval market at Campo de’ Fiori and admire the local atmosphere. Learn about the death of Julius Caesar at Pompey Theatre, and pass some of the most significant remains of Ancient Rome, including the Theatre of Marcellus, the Temple of Apollo, and the Portico of Octavia. Fine wine and local fare take center stage throughout, with tastings at venues loved by the locals. Discover sites the guidebooks don’t mention, and listen to stories of local lore. Meet people who take great pride in the quality of their products, whether it’s pizza, pasta, or fresh vegetables prepared as they have been for generations.

Rome: Jewish Ghetto Guided Walking Tour

3. Rome: Jewish Ghetto Guided Walking Tour

Go in search of Europe's oldest Jewish community accompanied by a professional guide and learn about the fascinating and tragic history of the Jewish Ghetto in Rome. Join your guide as you stroll through the narrow lanes of the remaining parts of the old Ghetto around Portico d’Ottavia. Retrace the history of the Jewish people in the city, from ancient times to the modern-day. Hear the tragic tale of how the Roman Jews were rounded up in the Ghetto to be sent to Auschwitz and see the brass cobblestones installed as a memorial to the Holocaust victims. Learn about Roman-Jewish cuisine and take the opportunity to sample traditional foods such as fried artichokes or an authentic sour cherry cake. Finally, admire the Great Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Rome and one of the largest in Europe. End your tour in Piazza Mattei at the Turtle Fountain.

Rome: Trastevere & Jewish Ghetto Tour with Pizza Tasting

4. Rome: Trastevere & Jewish Ghetto Tour with Pizza Tasting

Experience the captivating journey through time as we delve into the origins of Rome's Jewish Ghetto, established in 1555 by Pope Paul IV to accommodate the city's 5,000-strong Jewish population. Nestled near the tranquil banks of the Tiber River, this historically walled enclave has evolved into one of Rome's most enthralling neighborhoods. Embarking on our Trastevere and Jewish Ghetto walking tour, we commence our adventure in Trastevere. Once a renowned Regio during the reign of Emperor Augustus (Trans - Tiberim, meaning "across the Tiber"), Trastevere has preserved its medieval charm with its labyrinthine streets, narrow alleys, and charming squares. Visit significant Roman churches, including the venerable Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, an ancient Christian site of great significance, and the Basilica of Santa Cecilia, constructed upon the very location of the revered saint's former residence. Immerse yourself in the ancient allure of Trastevere, with its picturesque streets and remnants of the medieval synagogue. We will then cross the Tiber River, capturing the breathtaking view of the renowned Ponte Rotto, Rome's oldest stone bridge. Leave the idyllic Tiber Island behind, we venture into the heart of the former Jewish Ghetto. Delve into the compelling history of the Roman Jews, their profound cultural influence on the city, and the lasting impact they have left on this vibrant district. Throughout the tour, our expert guide will point out Jewish-owned establishments, kosher restaurants, and traditional shops and cafes in both areas. Enhance your experience by indulging in one of Rome's finest pizzas, the perfect culinary finale to your journey!

Rome: Ghosts and Mysteries Guided Walking Tour

5. Rome: Ghosts and Mysteries Guided Walking Tour

Follow your guide as you explore Rome and learn about the dark secrets buried beneath the city's ancient ruins and churches. Your ghoulish sightseeing tour begins at Castel Sant'Angelo. Initially commissioned as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, this impressive structure later served as a prison. From here, your tour takes you along Via del Governo Vecchio to Piazza Pasquino. See the battered Hellenistic-style statue believed to date back as far as the third century BC before heading to your next stop, Piazza Navona. Visit one of the most animated squares in Rome, built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian. See the Pantheon, a masterpiece of Roman engineering and one of the best-preserved temples of ancient Rome. Continue to explore the most picturesque part of Rome as you head to the nearby Piazza della Minerva. Admire the Elephant and Obelisk at the center of the Piazza. This statue was designed by Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini and unveiled in 1667. Next, visit Largo di Torre Argentina. See what remains of the Theatre and Curia of Pompey and hear the powerful story of power struggles and treachery as you learn about the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. Your sightseeing tour comes to a close at Piazza Mattei, a beautiful little square that takes its name from the palace of Giacomo Mattei that overlooks it.

Jewish Rome District, Old Ghetto and Trastevere Private Tour

6. Jewish Rome District, Old Ghetto and Trastevere Private Tour

The Jewish community of Rome is the oldest in the Western world, dating back to the 2nd century B.C. At the foot of Capitoline Hill, the Ghetto was created between 1555 and 1870, where the Jewish people were forced to live. Shortly after Rome became the capital of Italy, the old Ghetto was dismantled and the Jewish people were granted citizenship. Between 1901 and 1904 a monumental temple, the Great Synagogue, was built to celebrate the event, and it is still the main Jewish temple in Rome. The district is a landmark for the Jewish people with shops and kosher restaurants. You will cross the Fabricio Bridge (62 B.C.), the oldest bridge left in Rome, and reach Tiber Island and Trastevere. The district developed on the right bank of the river as an area for merchants, sailors, fishermen and foreigners. Trastevere looks like a maze of narrow, winding streets and it maintains its old character with its cobblestone streets lined with ancient houses.

Rome: Private Tour of the Jewish Quarter

7. Rome: Private Tour of the Jewish Quarter

Enjoy a completely private and premium tour of the Jewish Quarter in Rome. Wander the quaint cobbled streets at your own pace, ask burning questions, and learn the history, food, and beauty of the area. Discover an ancient community rich with culture and strength. Walk through the enchanting neighborhood of the Jewish Ghetto. Meet your private guide in the heart of Rome at Trajan's Column. Find ancient structures still very much in use at the Theater of Marcellus and the Portico d'Ottavia. Admire the brilliant mix of ancient and modernism in the quarter. Walk the central street lined with restaurants, bakeries, and shops, and pick a spot to come back and try some Kosher Italian food on your own later. Try some handmade Kosher gelato, treat of your guide, before continuing the tour. Next, head to Piazza Mattei and see the famous Turtle Fountain. Hear the spectacular tale of its single-day construction. Wander the cobbled streets that lead to the Great Synagogue and pass by the magnificent structure that celebrates the Jews in Rome and learn its important history. Cross the oldest bridge in Rome and arrive onto Tiber Island and learn of the Greek god Asclepius who came to Rome and landed on the island. Ask your guide for tips and suggestions for food and lifestyle in the Eternal City, and venture out on your own.

Rome: Self-Guided City Discovery Game by Smartphone

8. Rome: Self-Guided City Discovery Game by Smartphone

Discover Rome in a fun way with an interactive game experience on your cell phone. Simply open your e-mail link and begin your adventure at Piazza del Popolo. Solve 12 location-based riddles created by a local creator. These riddles will take you from one location to the next. On your interactive walk through the city, follow cryptic indications and pay attention to details that you usually won't notice. Once you've arrived at the next stop, you will have to solve a question. Open your eyes and mind and use your location to find the right answer. As you solve each riddle, you will unlock local recommendations and fun facts, as well as fascinating information on the history of the city of Roman emperors, world-renowned artists, and buildings that continue to impress even after 2000 years.

Rome 2-Hour Panoramic Segway Tour

9. Rome 2-Hour Panoramic Segway Tour

Discover the best views in Rome on this small-group panoramic Segway tour. Meet your guide for a short training session to ensure you feel safe and comfortable on your personal transporter before heading off. Stop at Piazza Venezia to marvel at the majestic Vittoriano. Next, you’ll glide past the Imperial Forum to reach the Colosseum, the most iconic structure of the Eternal City. From there you'll continue along the Palatine Hill to get to the Circus Maximus for a view of the largest stadium of ancient Rome. Then head up the Aventine Hill to enjoy an amazing panorama of the whole city from the beautiful Garden of Oranges. Then ride your Segway to the Temple of Hercules and hear about the legend behind the so-called Mouth of Truth, and finally head up the Capitoline Hill to see a square designed by Michelangelo, and to marvel at the panoramic views of the Roman Forum.

Rome: Private Food Tour

10. Rome: Private Food Tour

Italian food is revered the world over, so what better to way to explore Rome than to sample some local cuisine on a private 3-hour food tour of the city. Embark on a journey of the taste buds as your private guide talks you through the history behind each delicacy and explains why the food in Rome is unique to the region. The tour begins in Piazza Mattei where you will start your foodie adventure with a classic Italian antipasto and red wine. In Rome's Jewish Quarter, you’ll take a step back in time to learn about the history of the area before sampling some customary Italian dishes influenced by the Jewish community in Italy. Specialties include fried artichokes and Fior di zucca (fried zucchini blossoms) – delizioso! The tour would not be complete without a taste of Italy’s finest pizza and pasta creations, so make sure you try a few varieties made "alla Romana" to take home some delicious memories of your trip. Enjoy the scenery as you wander to an authentic Italian restaurant near the Pantheon that has been serving up mouthwatering meals for three generations . If you still have room left at the end, you’ll finish the tour with a classic Italian gelato – just like a local!

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What people are saying about Piazza Mattei

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 281 reviews

This tour was absolutely fabulous! Our guide was an incredible story teller- he was so engaging and went way beyond general history of the Jewish people in Rome to tell personal stories both Jews and Romans who helped save lives during WWII. A wonderful tour and super nice, informative tour guide! My wife and I also enjoyed visiting the Great Synagogue of Rome after the tour to round out the experience (about 11 euros/per person to see the museum and a brief guided tour).

Maria - our tour guide was fabulous! Even in the pouring rain. We ate so much food and chatted about life/ trips/ recommendations. My only suggestion would be is too book this fabulous tour on your first day. So much information!

Anytime we travel, we always find a food tour. This was our favorite tour! Food tours are always so much fun. History and food that goes with the area is perfect.

Amazing. One of the best things we did in Rome. Delicious food, good company and a terrific guide.

Everything was great and I personally think it was worth the price.