Address Lungotevere Cenci, Rome Map, Tel 06/6840061 Call, Hours Mon-Thurs, 9-5; Fri 9-2; Sun 9:30-12:30
This off-the-beaten-path landmark (and the Jewish Ghetto surrounding it) hold lots of great lessons for older kids. The Jews of Rome have chosen to live in a place where they'll always be markedly different than the mainstream Catholic culture. They've suffered at the hands of various rulers, during world war two, and more recently in a synagogue bombing in 1982. Somehow, though, they continue to live in the neighborhood that they, their parents, and their grandparents have always lived in and to continue their traditions.
The synagouge itself is beautiful and well worth a visit.
Don't forget to soften the lesson a little with some fantastic pastry from the bakery