Great Synagogue - the largest synagogue in Rome and one of the largest in Europe. The history of the Jewish community in Rome dates back to the 2nd century BC, when the Roman Empire had allies in Judea. It was then that many Jews moved to Rome. Their number has grown steadily over time due to the development of trade in the Mediterranean region. In addition, a lot of Jews were brought to Rome as slaves after the war in Judea in AD 63-135 years

Shortly after the unification of Italy in 1870, when the Roman ghetto, including the building of the former synagogue was destroyed, and all the Jews received citizenship, the construction of a new synagogue. It was conducted from 1901 to 1904 on the draft Vincenzo Costa and Osvaldo Armani. The eclectic style of the building makes it memorable, even in a city like Rome, where every building deserves attention. Landmark synagogue is aluminum dome - the only square dome in Rome. Today you can see the plaque in memory of the victims of the Nazi regime.

In 1986, Pope John Paul II made a surprise visit to the synagogue - it was a landmark event, as never before in the history of the head of the Roman Catholic Church did not attend synagogue. The visit was seen as an attempt to improve relations between Catholicism and Judaism.

The synagogue is not only a place for the rites and prayers, but also a cultural space - there are exhibitions and events. Here is the Jewish Museum.