Jewish quarter: When you think of Rome, the Pope and Vatican City often come to mind. But the Italian capital is also home to one of the most historic and vibrant Jewish quarters in Europe.
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In search of a better life: Though Catholicism has dominated the country, the history of the Jews in Rome stretched back long before Jesus' era. Like many immigrants, the Jews came to Italy looking for a better life, while some were prisoners of war when the Romans invaded Judea.
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History and culture: It's this very ghetto, in the area near Campo dei Fiori that's become the lively Jewish quarter today with locals welcoming tourists to learn about their history and culture.
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Food and celebration: "The combination of great food and a chance to celebrate with a community which owes its origins to the Hanukkah story makes Rome the perfect place to celebrate this year," Rome expert, Amiel Lindenbaum of Post Haste Travel Service, a Virtuoso Agency, says.
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Jewish sites: Highlights in the city include the Great Synagogue, the old streets of the ghetto and the Verano cemetery (pictured).
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Street party: Via del Portico d'Ottavia in Rome's Jewish Ghetto hosts a Hanukkah party where the entire Jewish community comes together.
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Fried treats: One of the most famous and popular dishes in Jewish Roman cuisine are the fried artichokes known as "carciofi alla giudea."
