The Jewish community of Florence is one of the oldest continuous Jewish communities in Europe.
The first group of Jews came to Florence in the 13th century as bankers and settled in the Oltrarno side of the Arno river. The community grew and changed from its arrival in the 13th century, to the 16th century, to modern times. In the 16th century the Jewish ghetto was in the historical centre of the city.
Guided Florence Tours will show you the locations and monuments that tell the historical story of the Jews in Florence and in Tuscany. Our tour guide will teach you about the privileged relationship the Jews had with the Medici family, especially with Lorenzo Magnificent, in the years the community flourished.
In 1892 the Great Synagogue of Florence opened. Based on the Hagia Sofia in Istanbul, it is considered a great masterpiece.
Still in use today, the synagogue hosts a museum that is open to the public, but groups require a reservation. We will be happy to handle the arrangements. Inside the museum, there is a good description of Florence as it looked when the ghetto existed.
The tour takes about 3 hours
A visit to see Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia is included.
While this tour is purely historical, Guided Florence Tours can arrange for a Jewish tour guide upon request.
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