Appendix

Author’s translation

XXIX
Description of the twenty-ninth plate, representing Piazza Giudea
This piazza is in the proximity of the establishment of Jews, called Ghetto, (this piazza) has
had the same name even before Paul IV-of which I referred, as found in Albertini’s work,
writer in the time of Giulio II, evoking either that they(Jews) also lived there without being
separated at all from Christians, or maybe that they were heading there to sell or buy
tatters/ rugs or other old stuff. Pawn lenders, who are coming from amongst the Jews, were
subjugated(prohibited) in here and the Tribunal of Compidoglio made justice there, this is
why there is always one of Birri’s guard there, and the rope’s torture is always in order (at
hand), to punish immediately any of their insolences.
Before the previously mentioned pontificate of Paul IV, the said Jews were living confusedly
in the middle of Christians, without any distinction, nor sign, nor place; having been allowed
this freedom, so that they can embrace our Christion Religion, but because after all they
recklessly abused it with their perfidy , the said pontiff needed to enclose them within walls
in this place, which is the lowest of Rome, and therefore they are often visited by floods
from the neighbouring Tiber. He (the pontiff) wanted them to wear a yellow sign, namely,
the men and the shaman (probably referring to the Rabbi) on the head, and women,
equally, should now wear a sign like that on their cloths.
In the past centuries, an antique portico, that of Pompeo, which was believed by some to be
Martinelli’s, and by others to be Casa di Mario, passed through this piazza. Chiesa di S.
Maria is near (this) supposedly Martinelli’s (portico), which the common people wrongly
called Casa Barii, instead of Casa Marii. But it is estimated that the Nardinis built this Portico
for Gneo Ottavio, which, as Fulvio said, because of the familiarity of the name, has been
confused many times to that of Augustus’s sister, Ottavia, which was built near Theaotro di
Marcello. The famous and most diligent architect, Serlio, shows us through the Plan a part
of its elevation, which even today remains standing there near the above mentioned Chiesa.
Continuing on the street of the modern Pescaria, there is an arch, and on its right there is
the entrance to the piazza called ‘della Pecaria’(which is showns here), where is the Dogana,
and where, anytime during the year, fish from the sea, river and Tiber is sold.
The antique portico that is seen here partially ruined is called Sant Anglego, from the
Basilica, which is near it; in the past it was believed by some to be dedicated to Mercutio
and by others to Guingona, but the antique writers don’t have that memory.