Historical Fiction Research | in The Jewish Quarter, Rome, Italy

My work-in-progress is a novel set in Italy between 1932 and 1945. What a great adventure, to visit Rome and the many places featured in my novel, a story about belonging, love, and sacrifice during the rise and fall of Fascism. The story is told by two protagonists, one fictional, one historical (Claretta Petacci, Mussolini’s mistress). Visiting the Jewish Quarter, where some of the novel takes place, was emotionally wrenching. The Jewish Quarter, formerly referred to as the Ghetto, opens at the Portico d’Ottavia, built around 146 BC, and later refurbished around 33BC by Augustus for his sister, Octavia Minor. Later after several fires and an earthquake, which destroyed much of the original structure, a church, Sant’Angelo in Pescheria, was constructed around 770AD on top of the ruins. The name reflected the fish market operating there in the early 19th century as explained by our guide (fondly called Gin and Tonic, pictured on the left, with my husband, Arthur, on the right).