since i've been in rome, i've been in search of a "spot": somewhere i can escape with just my thoughts, and somewhere that makes this city feel like less of a massive tourist attraction and more of my home. recently i've been starting to think i'll forever be lost in the maze of streets here, but my visit to the jewish ghetto this morning proved me wrong.

just about four blocks in size, it's a tiny neighborhood that is a world unto itself. the synagogue is the most magnificent building i've seen, intentionally built over what used to be the most squalid part of the ghetto as a sign of triumph. unfortunately you can't take pictures within the gates , although i recommend seeing it in person anyways.  every inch of the neighborhood has character, and there's a certain community feeling that makes it impossible not to love.

forno del ghetto, the last bakery in rome that preserves jewish italian cooking traditions, stands right in the center of it all. the mob of people inside the unmarked shop was all the convincing i needed to try whatever it was that drew them there, and after watching a few people place their orders i decided to follow the masses & go with the chocolate ricotta torte. a.mazing.