Tempio Maggiore (The Great Synagogue of Rome)

Situated in the “Jewish Ghetto,” between the Theatre of Marcellus and Tiber Island, the Tempio Maggiore (The Great Synagogue of Rome) was built in 1904. It is a true work of art with its square dome. The basement also houses the Jewish Museum and a small synagogue known as the Spanish Temple. In 1986, Pope John Paul II visited the synagogue to build relations with the Jewish community, embracing Chief Rabbi Elio Toaff. In the photo: the richly decorated Art Nouveau facade of the monumental building of the Great Synagogue, seen from the banks of the Tiber River.