Jewish Heritage Tours

Florence
Join us on a unique tour of Florence to visit early Jewish neighborhoods, synagogues, and museums. Our walking tour begins at the site of the old Jewish ghetto, dismantled in the 1860's. From there we continue on to a museum, which displays scenes of the city of Florence from the past centuries. Paintings from the Jewish ghetto, depicting the inhabitants and the medieval streets of Florence are a highlight. 

The tour ends at the Jewish Synagogue of Florence, the Tempio Israelitico, whose green copper dome can be seen from Florence's surrounding hills. We will visit the synagogue's small museum to view its antique collection from the past 300 years. 

Pitigliano, Sovana, and Sorano 

Located in Southern Tuscany, the Etruscan hill towns of Pitigliano, Sovana and Sorano form a magic triangle. The sense of magic and mystique is slowly revealed to the visitor with the surprising beauty of the locale, rolling hills, vineyards, steep gorges, and water falls. The Etruscan-Medieval atmosphere has remained unchanged since the 16th century, largely due to the lack of a direct route connecting the towns to the major thoroughfares. 

All three towns are located high on spurs of volcanic rock surrounded by rivers: the clusters of houses in Pitigliano and Sorano seem to clutch at the cliffs. These two towns are embroidered with narrow streets, allies and stairways sprinkled with outstanding views. 

Each town has its own appeal: Sorano has recently restored its Renaissance fort; the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Sovana has changed little in 5 centuries, and there are unusual Etruscan tombs peculiar to the area. Pitigliano was known as the Little Jerusalem because it welcomed Jews who were forced to flee Rome and the Papal States in the 16th century, and Jews of the nearby town of Castro, whose ghetto was burned in the 17th century. The rulers of Pitigliano encouraged Jews to settle, offering them the freedom to live and work in a climate of acceptance. Jewish customs, foods and words were slowly integrated into the local culture and are still quite evident today. The Synagogue, built in 1598, which suffered extensive damage during World War II, has recently been rebuilt and restored. There is also the Jewish cemetery, and a kosher
bar. There is much to explore and discover in these refreshingly unique places. 

Your Tour Leader: Ellen Masi 

Ellen Masi has a Bachelor's degree in European Medieval and Renaissance history and a Master's degree in education, and has worked as a guide in Tuscany for more than 20 years. Tuscany's Jewish heritage and exploring the Jewish landmarks are especially important to her. 

For more information or to inquire about availability, please email us.