This tour is rich in information, dynamic and pleasant at the same time. Like all our city tours, it presents the Roman history through the Jewish perspective, adding to the common interpretation a more detailed overview on the Jewish presence in this city.
Coliseum, Roman Forum &
Titus Arch
When in Rome for the first time, you can’t miss the most classic and popular tour to know the powerful past of the Roman Empire!
With this tour you’ll learn about the close relationship between Julius Caesar and the Jews of Rome who were protected by specific rules to allow them to celebrate holidays and observe the holy Sabbath and who sat shiva when the great leader Caesar died. This is the reason why many Roman Jews are named Cesare, instead of Shmulik or Jakob!
The tour will start from the Coliseum, continue with the Arch of Titus, and the Roman Forum. Especially on sunny days, which are very common in Rome, you will be immersed in a grandiose district of temples, basilicas and vibrant public spaces and, at the same time, in the heart of the contemporary city.
The most famous and impressive monument of ancient Rome, as well as the largest amphitheater in the world, the Coliseum is located in an area surrounded by the famous hills of Rome.
Positioned on the northern summit of the Palatine, the Arch of Titus (Arcus Titi) is a triumphal arch that commemorates the victory of the emperors Vespasian and Titus in Judea in 70 CE, which lead to the conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Jewish temple there, and the triumphal procession the two held in Rome in 71 CE. For centuries the Jews of Rome have always refused to pass under the Arch. When the State of Israel was born the whole community of Rome ran up to the Forum to pass through the Arch, then with a different feeling.
The Roman Forum was the monumental main square of ancient Rome. Around the center, reached by the Via Sacra, were the most important public and religious buildings in the city.
You can visit the remains of the Forum with the ruins of the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, Emilian Basilica, Curia, Temple of Vesta, Altar of Cesar, Arch of Titus, Arch of Septimius Severus and more.
Places
- Coliseum, Roman Forum and Titus Arch
Meeting point: at the newsstand kiosk, in front of the subway station Colosseo (blu line)
Duration of the tour: 3 hours
Participants: min.1; max. 12
Travel tips:
- Check the forecast – it is an outdoor walking so bring umbrella in case of rain.
- Bring water, a hat for the heat and comfortable shoes.
