Ostia Synagogue

The Ostia Antica Synagogue is one of the oldest known Jewish houses of worship in Europe and was discovered in 1961 near the mouth of the Tiber. The visible ruins date from the fourth century, though earlier building phases go back to the time of Emperor Claudius. The building was probably created from an existing residential complex that was repurposed in the second century. You can see the main hall, with benches along three sides, as well as the monumental entrance with four columns. A distinctive feature is the orientation of the main entrance to the southeast, toward Jerusalem. Finds such as a menorah relief confirm its Jewish use. As an important archaeological site, the complex documents the history of Judaism in ancient Italy.