Portico d'Ottavia, Rome, Italy - A wide angle view of Portico d'Ottavia in Rome's Jewish Quarter, Italy
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Portico d'Ottavia Rome

4.6
·491k reviews·Roma, Italy

Ancient Roman portico ruins, a historical gateway to Rome's vibrant Jewish Ghetto, rich in history and culture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Portico d'Ottavia, Rome, Italy - A wide angle view of Portico d'Ottavia in Rome's Jewish Quarter, Italy

Portico d'Ottavia Rome

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ancient Roman portico ruins, a historical gateway to Rome's vibrant Jewish Ghetto, rich in history and culture.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A must-see for its historical significance and as the entrance to the charming Jewish Quarter."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Early Bird Pastries

Grab delicious pastries in the Jewish Ghetto and enjoy them at the Portico d'Ottavia before the day gets busy.

🚫 Sabbath Observance

Many Jewish businesses close from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. Plan accordingly.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Portico d'Ottavia Ruins

Portico d'Ottavia Ruins

Jewish Ghetto

Ancient Roman portico, a historical gateway to the Jewish Quarter, offering a glimpse into the city's past.

Jewish Ghetto Charm

Jewish Ghetto Charm

Surrounding area

Wander through charming streets, discover historic synagogues, and soak in the unique atmosphere of this vibrant neighborhood.

Teatro di Marcello

Teatro di Marcello

Adjacent to Portico d'Ottavia

An ancient open-air theater, often compared to a mini-Colosseum, offering stunning architectural views.

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Portico d'Ottavia

Consider visiting early morning for a quieter experience, especially if you want to enjoy pastries in the Jewish Ghetto before the crowds. Be aware that many Jewish establishments observe the Sabbath, closing from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. Reddit

Exploring the Jewish Ghetto

The Portico d'Ottavia is a gateway to Rome's historic Jewish Quarter. Combine your visit with a stroll through this atmospheric neighborhood, discovering its unique history and culinary delights. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Experience local life
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Avoid this common tourist scam on your next trip to Rome #travel #rome #rometravel #traveltips
@pointspat
149.3K likes • 4.4M views

🚶‍♀️ Early Bird Pastries

Grab delicious pastries in the Jewish Ghetto and enjoy them at the Portico d'Ottavia before the day gets busy. Reddit

🚫 Sabbath Observance

Many Jewish businesses close from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. Plan accordingly. Reddit

they can still cut the strap of a fanny pack so stay aware! #pickpocketing #pickpocketingtips #pickpocket #pickpockets #italypickpocket #italy #italytravel #italytraveltips #rome #roma #rometraveltips...
@rileycatharine
95.1K likes • 1.9M views
📍Ghetto Ebraico 🖇️Il ghetto ebraico di Roma è tra i più antichi ghetti del mondo; è sorto 40 anni dopo quello di Venezia che è il primo in assoluto. 🚶‍♀️‍➡️La passeggiata nel ghetto parte dal Port...
lunaale23
524 likes • 0 views

🏛️ Combine with Teatro Marcello

Don't miss the nearby Teatro di Marcello, a stunning ancient theater. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Ghetto

Wander through the historic Jewish Quarter for a rich cultural experience. Reddit

Il Portico d'Ottavia a Roma, un complesso monumentale di grande importanza storica e culturale. Fu ricostruito dall'imperatore Augusto tra il 27 e il 23 a.C., dedicandolo alla sorella Ottavia, e sosti...
thepicture_allart
237 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Early Bird Pastries

Grab delicious pastries in the Jewish Ghetto and enjoy them at the Portico d'Ottavia before the day gets busy. Reddit

🚫 Sabbath Observance

Many Jewish businesses close from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. Plan accordingly. Reddit

🏛️ Combine with Teatro Marcello

Don't miss the nearby Teatro di Marcello, a stunning ancient theater. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Ghetto

Wander through the historic Jewish Quarter for a rich cultural experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Portico d'Ottavia a historically significant and atmospheric site, serving as a gateway to Rome's charming Jewish Ghetto. While the ruins themselves are impressive, many appreciate the overall experience of exploring the surrounding neighborhood and its culinary offerings. Some note that the Sabbath observance can affect business hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

What People Like

Historic atmosphere
Gateway to Jewish Ghetto
Proximity to Teatro Marcello

What People Dislike

Limited access to ruins
Sabbath closures

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Portico d'Ottavia is easily accessible by public transport. Many visitors arrive via bus or tram, with stops located nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from other central Rome attractions like Largo di Torre Argentina. Reddit

Yes, it's very walkable from areas like Largo di Torre Argentina and Piazza Venezia. A walk through Monti district can also lead you to this area. Reddit

From FCO airport, you can take a train to Termini station and then transfer to a bus or tram heading towards the Jewish Ghetto area. Pre-booked transportation is also an option. Reddit

Parking in this central Rome area can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or walk if possible. Reddit

Several bus lines and trams serve the area around the Jewish Ghetto and Portico d'Ottavia. Check local transport apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Portico d'Ottavia itself is an open-air ruin and generally free to view from the outside. Access to specific nearby museums or attractions within the Jewish Ghetto may require tickets. Reddit

As an ancient ruin, the Portico d'Ottavia is accessible at all times. However, be mindful of the Sabbath, as many Jewish businesses in the surrounding ghetto close from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to walk through the historic Jewish Ghetto. You can freely explore its streets and soak in the atmosphere. Reddit

While the ruins are always visible, many Jewish restaurants and shops in the vicinity, like Giggetto al Portico d'Ottavia, may have specific hours or be closed for the Sabbath starting Friday evening. It's best to check their individual opening times. Reddit

Yes, many guided tours of Rome's historic center and Jewish Ghetto include a stop at the Portico d'Ottavia, offering historical context and insights. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

You can see the remains of the ancient portico, which once served as a grand entrance. It's a significant historical site and a gateway to the Jewish Quarter. Reddit

The ruins themselves offer great photo opportunities, especially with the surrounding historic buildings. The adjacent Teatro di Marcello is also very photogenic. Reddit

A brief visit to see the ruins might take 15-30 minutes. However, to explore the surrounding Jewish Ghetto and nearby sites like Teatro di Marcello, allocate at least 1-2 hours. Reddit

The main pathways in the Jewish Ghetto and around the Portico d'Ottavia are generally paved, but cobblestone streets can be uneven. Accessibility may vary in smaller alleys. Reddit

The Portico d'Ottavia was a monumental portico built in the 2nd century BC, named after Emperor Augustus' sister. It was a significant public space and a symbolic entrance to the ancient Jewish community's area. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Jewish Ghetto is renowned for its excellent restaurants, offering traditional Roman-Jewish cuisine. Giggetto al Portico d'Ottavia is a well-known option. Reddit

Expect Roman-Jewish specialties like Carciofi alla Giudia (fried artichokes), pasta dishes, and other traditional Roman fare. Reddit

Yes, the Jewish Ghetto has bakeries and cafes where you can find pastries and coffee, perfect for an early morning treat. Reddit

The Jewish Ghetto is the heart of Rome's Jewish community, and you can find several kosher restaurants and bakeries here. Reddit

Dining prices can vary, but many restaurants offer a good balance of quality and price. It's a popular area, so expect typical city prices. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photos. The golden hour can be particularly beautiful. Reddit

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both the ruins and the surrounding street scenes. A wide-angle lens can be great for the Teatro di Marcello. Reddit

Drone usage is generally restricted in central Rome, especially near historical sites. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. Reddit

Try shooting from street level to capture the scale, or look for higher vantage points in nearby buildings (if accessible) for a different perspective. Reddit

Always be respectful when photographing people. It's good practice to ask for permission before taking close-up shots of individuals. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Portico d'Ottavia and the surrounding Jewish Ghetto offer a fascinating historical exploration for families. The open ruins are intriguing for children to see, and the nearby Teatro di Marcello, often called the 'little Colosseum,' can spark their imagination. Reddit

Consider a guided tour tailored for families to make the history more engaging. The area is also relatively flat and walkable, making it manageable with strollers, though some cobblestone streets can be bumpy. Finding kid-friendly snacks or pastries in the ghetto can be a fun part of the experience. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The Portico d'Ottavia itself is free to view, making it an excellent budget-friendly attraction. Exploring the Jewish Ghetto is also free, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere and history without spending much. Reddit

For affordable eats, look for bakeries offering pastries or pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) in the ghetto. Walking from other central Rome landmarks like Piazza Venezia also saves on transportation costs. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Portico d'Ottavia

The Portico d'Ottavia, a significant archaeological site in Rome, was originally constructed in the 2nd century BC by Quintus Caecilius Metellus Macedonicus. It was later rebuilt and dedicated by Augustus in 27 BC to his sister, Octavia Minor, hence its name. This monumental portico served as a grand entrance and a public space, connecting the Theatre of Marcellus with the Jewish Quarter. Its ruins offer a tangible link to Rome's ancient past and the long history of its Jewish community. Reddit

Over centuries, the portico underwent various transformations. Parts of it were incorporated into later structures, including churches and homes. Today, what remains are impressive remnants of its original grandeur, showcasing Roman architectural ingenuity. The site is a testament to the layers of history that define Rome, where ancient structures coexist with medieval and modern life. Reddit

Visiting the Portico d'Ottavia provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and imagine the bustling life that once surrounded it. It's a crucial part of understanding the historical development of Rome and the enduring presence of its Jewish heritage. Reddit

Exploring the Jewish Ghetto

Adjacent to the Portico d'Ottavia lies Rome's historic Jewish Ghetto, one of the oldest in Europe. This atmospheric neighborhood is a must-visit for its rich history, unique culture, and delicious cuisine. Wandering through its narrow cobblestone streets, you'll discover ancient synagogues, poignant memorials, and charming piazzas. Reddit

The ghetto was established in 1555 and remained a segregated area for centuries. Despite the hardships, the community preserved its traditions and identity. Today, it's a vibrant district where history is palpable. Don't miss trying the famous Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes) at one of the local trattorias. Reddit

Key landmarks within the ghetto include the Great Synagogue of Rome and the Jewish Museum. The area is also a great place for a leisurely stroll, offering a different perspective on Rome away from the main tourist crowds. Reddit

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