Additional information
by Paul Den Arend (Author)
Whenever people come to see the Jewish Ghetto in Rome, they are a bit underwhelmed at first. Besides the synagogue and the many kosher restaurants, at first glance there does not seem to be a lot to see.
However, the ghetto is a very interesting area with a painful history. Once you know this history and the places associated with it, the area becomes much more alive. The Roman Jewish community was one of the oldest in Europe and one of the last to gain its freedom. The story of the Roman Jews is different from those of other Jewish communities and not well known by the general public.
For a very long time, the Jewish community in Rome - older even than the Christian community - lived in abject poverty in this area. They were forbidden to leave the ghetto at night, could work in only a few professions, had to wear distinctive clothing, and had far fewer rights than Christian Roman citizens.
This guidebook includes:
- A clear and accessible overview of the complicated history of the Roman Jews
- A detailed explanation of daily life inside the historic ghetto
- Descriptions of many important places of interest, both inside and outside the old ghetto area
- Historical context that brings the streets, buildings, and stories to life
Reading this book is an excellent preparation for a visit to the ghetto, but it can also be enjoyed even without immediate plans to go to Rome. The history of the Jewish community in Rome is fascinating enough to read on its own.
Author Biography
Paul den Arend grew up in the Netherlands and has been travelling for most of his adult life. He studied art history in Salamanca, Spain, wrote reports for the Dutch Embassy in Santiago de Chile and studied Chinese in China. In between, he has been working as a tour guide. For many years he lived in Rome, Italy and guided groups of all backgrounds through the city. He has been a guide in the Vatican Museums, Saint Peter's and the Galleria Borghese, but he also loves to show groups around Sicily or Tuscany. His guidebooks reflect a profound love for the Eternal City and the many stories about its beautiful piazza's and landmarks.
