The history of the Major Synagogue of Rome is an important chapter in the narrative of the emancipation of Italian Jews and their integration into Italian society after centuries of discrimination and segregation. The decision to place the Temple Major in Piazza delle Cinque Scole, between the Capitol and the Janiculum, is symbolic and represents a tribute to the freedom and equality won by the Italian Jews after the breach in Porta Pia and the consequent unification of Italy.
The erection of the Major Synagogue on one of the four plots of land taken from the demolition of the most degraded areas of the Jewish Ghetto of Rome, in the same place where the Jews had been confined for centuries, is an act of reaffirmation of Jewish identity and redemption from past segregation. The demolition and reclamation of the area followed the 1888 zoning plan, which helped to radically transform the urban landscape of the city.
The works for the construction of the Major Synagogue of Rome, one of the largest synagogues in Europe, began in 1901 with the support and approval of King Vittorio Emanuele II who also gave the order to rebuild the Ghetto of Rome and granted citizenship to Italian Jews.
The inauguration ceremony of the Synagogue took place with great pomp on 28 July 1904, in the presence of all the city authorities and with the Ghetto adorned with festivities. The building itself is an imposing large structure, with a square base and an imposing bulk covered in aluminum, following an eclectic style inspired by Assyrian-Babylonian forms. This architectural symbol of the Jewish community of Rome is housed in the basement of the rich Museum of the Jewish Community of Rome and the Spanish Temple, a small synagogue set up with furnishings from the ancient synagogues of the Ghetto.
The interior decoration of the Major Synagogue was entrusted to the main Art Nouveau artists of the time, with stained glass windows made by Cesare Picchiarini and paintings by Domenico Bruschi and Annibale Brugnoli. The interior is richly decorated with oriental motifs, while the pulpit (Bimah) is in Art Nouveau style and enriched by a precious pipe organ built in 1904 by the Rieger brothers.
Today, the Synagogue is open to visitors from Sunday to Thursday, while Saturday is entirely dedicated to worship. After visiting the Temple, it is advisable to explore the Ghetto and the famous Portico d’Ottavia and enjoy one of the delicious dishes of the Jewish-Roman tradition in the many kosher restaurants in the area.
ADDRESS
Lungotevere de’ Cenci
HOURS
For opening and closing times and how to visit please contact the contacts indicated.
N.b. The Tempio Maggiore is visited with the ticket of the Jewish Museum of Rome. Before proceeding with the purchase online read the conditions of sale in Conventions.
CONTACTS
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Email: info@romaebraica.it
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Website: www.romaebraica.it
Telephone: 06 68400651/2 – 06 6840061
SERVICES
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