Jewish Ghetto of Venice

Included in Time Magazine's list of the world's 100 most important places

A part of Venice’s history that is rather shameful. The Jewish or Hebrew ghetto of Venice was the first ghetto for Jews in Europe and was the place where the word first originated.

"Venice Jewish Ghetto"

The ghetto was guarded, living conditions were cramped and uncomfortable, yet despite this the Jewish population grew to a peak of around 7000 before declining to only 500 after World War 11 and the Holocaust.

Now enjoying something of a revival, the Jewish Venice Association is attempting to encourage Jews to return. They now have a Jewish school in the area – the first Jewish school in Venice in over fifty years and there is even a kosher restaurant and five absolutely amazing old Synagogues.

Cannaregio's ghetto is not a very touristy district of Venice. Apart from the many Jewish people, from the USA in particular, who make the journey to see an important part of European Jewish history few visit. Even if you are not Jewish it is still well worth visiting and I am sure you will find it a moving experience.

The overriding impression here is of cramped buildings – because the area was small the inhabitants were forced to live one on top the other. It is an interesting area to stroll around and the sense of community still seems to be tangible.

Visit the Jewish Museum for a better understanding of what life must have been like here in previous centuries. The organized ghetto tours , undertaken by an expert on the history of the ghetto, are definitely something to consider doing and are of great interest, both from an architectural and a historical point of view. For more on the tour click here.

Interested in learning more about the ghetto? Get a copy of Ghetto of Venice

Return from the Jewish Ghetto of Venice to the Secret Venice Page

Return to the Venice Italy Veneto home page.

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