Pitigliano Synagogue and Jewish Museum
Explore Pitigliano's "Little Jerusalem," a historic tufa town with a rich Jewish heritage, unique cave dwellings, and a resilient community story.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Pitigliano Synagogue and Jewish Museum
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Pitigliano's "Little Jerusalem," a historic tufa town with a rich Jewish heritage, unique cave dwellings, and a resilient community story.
"A fabulous museum from the ghetto starting back to 1555 where the village of Pitigliano nicknamed "the small Jerusalem" was a place of refuge."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cobblestone streets and inclines require good footwear for exploring the tufa town. :athletic_shoe:
Allow 45-60 Minutes
The museum and synagogue offer a rich history; plan for about an hour to absorb it all. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pitigliano Synagogue
Jewish Quarter
A beautifully restored 16th-century synagogue, central to Pitigliano's "Little Jerusalem" identity.
Jewish Museum
Jewish Quarter
Discover artifacts and stories of Pitigliano's historic Jewish community, offering a deep dive into their lives.
The Ghetto
Jewish Quarter
Wander through the historic ghetto, a testament to the community's refuge and integration into town life.
Cave Dwellings & Structures
Carved into tufa cliffs
Explore ancient cellars, bakeries, and ritual baths dug directly into the volcanic tufa rock.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Pitigliano's "Little Jerusalem" History
Tufa Town Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cobblestone streets and inclines require good footwear for exploring the tufa town. :athletic_shoe:
Allow 45-60 Minutes
The museum and synagogue offer a rich history; plan for about an hour to absorb it all. :clock1:
Read the Plaques
Informative plaques in English and Italian provide context for the exhibits and history. :memo:
Look for "Little Jerusalem"
Pitigliano is famously known as "Piccola Gerusalemme" due to its historical Jewish community. :flag_it:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Cobblestone streets and inclines require good footwear for exploring the tufa town. :athletic_shoe:
Allow 45-60 Minutes
The museum and synagogue offer a rich history; plan for about an hour to absorb it all. :clock1:
Read the Plaques
Informative plaques in English and Italian provide context for the exhibits and history. :memo:
Look for "Little Jerusalem"
Pitigliano is famously known as "Piccola Gerusalemme" due to its historical Jewish community. :flag_it:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Pitigliano Synagogue and Jewish Museum for its fascinating history and well-preserved exhibits, highlighting its significance as "Little Jerusalem." The unique architecture carved into the tufa rock and the stories of community resilience are frequently mentioned as highlights. Some note that the museum is small but very informative, offering a wonderful learning experience.
"Fabulous museum from the ghetto starting back to 1555 where the village of Pitigliano nicknamed "the small Jerusalem" was a place of refuge for the Jewish community, seeking to flee the city of Rome so as not to be subject to Catholic authority.
The ghetto as such was formed at the beginning of the 17th Century which the Medici dynasty took command of the city and restricted Jewish mobility. Yet still the community was well integrated and respected, collaborating in the economic, social and cultural fabric of the town. Prior to the 2nd World War, the community was numerous and active.
Throughout the 19th Century when there was greater freedom of movement, many members of the community left Pitigliano for the more economically attractive cities of Rome, Florence, Lucca or Livorno. By 1938, however, after Nazi racial laws took effect only 60 members of the community remained, many escaping capture thanks to their neighbors, but forced to hide with farming families in the valley. A plaque in the Ghetto commemorates the 22 Jews born in Pitigliano who were killed in concentration camps. The town of Pitigliano sided strongly against deportation and in 2002 the Yad Vashem Institute in Jerusalem, the honor of the "Righteous Among the Nations" was conferred to some Pitigliano families for their attempt to save their fellow citizens.
The Synagogue was built in 1598 and following a landslide rebuilt in 1995 by the town.
This visit include the synagogue (restored in 1995), Cultural center, ritual bathhouse, wine cellar, bakery, dye-works, all of which are dug into the native tufa stone, as well as the the fairly non-traditional Jewish cemetery tucked in a cypress grove below the town."
Enjoy life
"Fantastic history and well-appointed. Don’t miss the fantastic paintings on display as well. A truly wonderful experience that takes about forty-five minutes to fully absorb."
Rick Taddeo
"1598 a synagogue was built here, in 1622 ghetto created, in 19 century 1/4 of population were Jews- city was known for Jews as little Jerusalem. During the war 30 remaining Jews were helped by locals and hidden in the countryside"
Julia Felix
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pitigliano is best reached by car, offering flexibility to explore the surrounding 'Città del Tufo' towns. Public transport options include buses from nearby towns like Orvieto or Grosseto, though schedules can be infrequent.
Parking is available outside the historic center, with a walk required to reach the Jewish Quarter. Consider parking at the designated lots and walking into town.
Yes, Pitigliano makes an excellent day trip from Florence or Siena, but staying overnight allows for a more relaxed exploration of its unique atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date times before your visit.
There is typically a combined ticket for entry to the Synagogue, Museum, and other historical sites within the Jewish Quarter. Check current pricing online.
For most visits, booking in advance isn't strictly necessary, but it can be a good idea during peak tourist season to guarantee entry.
The historic center has uneven surfaces and inclines. While the museum has some accessible areas, navigating the entire ghetto might be challenging for those with mobility issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Jewish Quarter includes the Synagogue, the Jewish Museum, the ritual bath, wine cellar, bakery, and dye-works, all carved into the tufa rock.
Most visitors spend around 45-60 minutes exploring the Synagogue, Museum, and the various underground structures.
Guided tours are often available and can greatly enhance your understanding of the history and significance of the Jewish Quarter. Inquire locally.
Pitigliano was a significant refuge for Jewish communities, particularly from Rome, earning it the nickname "Little Jerusalem" for its historical Jewish presence and tolerance.
The 'Vie Cave' are ancient Etruscan pathways carved deep into the tufa rock, often found near Pitigliano, Sorano, and Sovana, offering unique hiking experiences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Pitigliano offers several trattorias and restaurants within its historic center, serving local Tuscan cuisine.
Absolutely! Pitigliano is in a wine region, and you can find local wines, including Bianco di Pitigliano, at many eateries. Some historical sites even have wine cellars.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic cliffside views of Pitigliano are iconic. Look for vantage points from the road approaching the town or from within its narrow streets. +1
Photography rules can vary. Generally, interior photography might be restricted or only allowed without flash. Always check signage or ask staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historic center has uneven terrain, the visual spectacle of the town perched on cliffs is captivating. Consider focusing on the more accessible parts of the Jewish Quarter and bringing snacks and water for little ones. The nearby Vie Cave offer opportunities for more active exploration if your family enjoys hiking.
🏛️ History Buffs
Delve into the details of the ghetto's formation, the impact of racial laws, and the acts of bravery by locals. The Synagogue and Jewish Museum provide in-depth information, complemented by the unique architecture carved into the tufa rock. Don't miss the historical context of the Vie Cave, remnants of Etruscan civilization.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Resilience of Pitigliano's Jewish Community
Despite periods of hardship, including the devastating impact of Nazi racial laws in 1938, the community's spirit endured. Many were saved by the bravery of their neighbors, a testament to the town's enduring humanity. The Synagogue, rebuilt after a landslide, and the comprehensive Jewish Museum now stand as powerful reminders of this rich heritage and the community's resilience.
Visiting the Synagogue, the museum, and the various underground structures like the ritual bath, wine cellar, and bakery, offers a profound glimpse into the daily lives and enduring traditions of Pitigliano's Jewish inhabitants. The nearby Jewish cemetery, nestled in a cypress grove, adds a poignant layer to this historical narrative.
Exploring the Tufa Town Architecture
The Jewish Quarter, in particular, showcases this remarkable integration with the landscape. You can explore ancient cellars, bakeries, and even ritual baths that are literally dug into the tufa. This subterranean network is a fascinating aspect of Pitigliano's history and a must-see for visitors.
Beyond the Jewish Quarter, the entire town is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, ancient archways, and buildings that seem to grow organically from the rock. Walking through Pitigliano feels like stepping back in time, with every corner offering a new perspective on its ancient foundations and picturesque views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit