Pitigliano, Little Jerusalem: Private Tour of the Jewish Ghetto

Pitigliano: A journey into the heart of Little Jerusalem

Let me guide you to a unique place in Maremma, where history nestles in the hollow of the rock. Pitigliano, this fascinating town perched on its tuff spur, holds a well-kept secret: its former Jewish ghetto. A deep immersion into a past of tolerance and coexistence, far from clichés.

Discover the hidden treasures of the Jewish community

You will explore the narrow alleys and underground spaces carved directly into the rock, where generations of Jewish families have woven their history. We will visit the restored synagogue, a true architectural gem, then the new museum which will reveal the secrets of this incredible place. Imagine the lives that unfolded there as you discover the ritual bath (Mikveh), the unleavened bread oven, the textile dye workshop, the kosher wine cellar and even the slaughterhouse, all carved into the tuff.

It was in the 16th century that Jewish families, attracted by the tolerance policy of the noble Orsini family, found refuge in Pitigliano. There they built a synagogue, a school, banks, a cemetery and artisan shops. Despite the creation of a ghetto by Florence in the 17th century, relations between Jews and Catholics remained peaceful, far from the miseries of other Italian ghettos. In the 19th century, the Jewish population reached 12% of citizens, earning Pitigliano its nickname of «Little Jerusalem».

A historical immersion for curious minds

This tour is for you if you are passionate about history, if you seek to understand the nuances of a culture and a coexistence that are often little known. Far from the beaten track, this experience in Pitigliano will offer you a unique perspective on the richness and complexity of Tuscan heritage, in the heart of this so surprising Maremma.