Best Artichokes in Rome!

To prepare for my trip to Rome, I watched a lot of YouTube videos on sites to see and foods to eat.  During my search, I was introduced to Jewish Artichokes.  I am a big fan of artichokes, but I have never had them fried.  The Jewish Artichokes, especially the ones at Nonna Betta Restaurant in the Jewish Ghetto are proclaimed by many Youtubers to be the best.  I had to find out for myself, so I added Jewish Artichokes to my long list of things to do in Rome.

I arrived at the Jewish Ghetto about a half hour before the restaurant opened.  As I walked through the neighborhoods, I found a treasure. 

Tempio Maggiore di Roma or The Great Synagogue was located two blocks from the restaurant on the banks of the Tiber River.  This great place of prayer was built between 1901 and 1904 and serves as a cultural center for the Jewish community. 

Below the synagogue is a museum with so much history and beautiful artifacts.  The section on the holocaust was heart wrenching, as I knew it would be.  What a crazy world we live in, and how I pray that we will never allow this history to repeat itself.   

After touring the museum, I joined a small group led by a guide that took us outside the museum and through the front doors of The Great Synagogue.

I was truly speechless as I entered this beautiful building. 

The last time I was in a synagogue, I was a Girl Scout growing up in Brooklyn.  As we worked on our Religion badge, the Girl Scout troop was invited to Mount Sinai Synagogue in Brooklyn.  We attended during one of their services.  What I remember clearly was the separation of the women on one side of the room and the men on the other.  The Great Synagogue in Rome seemed to be doubled the size of what I remember from my first visit to the synagogue in Brooklyn.  I loved the beauty in this building, and I was truly touched by the peace and tranquility of this special house of prayer.

Upon leaving the synagogue, I was more than ready for those famous Jewish artichokes.  Now I know why so many Youtubers made this recommendation.  They were DELICIOUS! 

If you are ever in Rome, I would recommend visiting The Great Synagogue in the Jewish Ghetto, and then for a special treat – head to Nonna Betta for the Jewish Artichokes – they are the best! 

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