Jewish Ghetto

The Jewish Ghetto of Venice, located in the Cannaregio district, is one of the most fascinating and historically rich neighborhoods in the city. Officially established on March 29, 1516, it is considered the first ghetto in Europe and gave rise to the term “ghetto” used to describe Jewish quarters worldwide. The word “ghetto” actually derives from the Venetian “geto,” referring to the metal foundries in the area before the settlement of the Jews. The ghetto initially consisted of a single area, the Ghetto Nuovo, but as the Jewish population grew, it expanded to include the Ghetto Vecchio and later the Ghetto Nuovissimo. These spaces were closed off by gates guarded at night, a clear sign of the restrictions imposed on the inhabitants, who nevertheless managed to develop a vibrant and culturally rich community. The neighborhood is home to five synagogues, each representing the different Jewish communities that settled in Venice. The Schola Grande Tedesca, the oldest, was built in 1528 to serve the Ashkenazi Jews. The Schola Canton, built in 1531, features a fascinating mix of architectural styles, while the Schola Italiana, from 1575, reflects the traditions of Italian Jews. The Schola Levantina and the Schola Spagnola, built in 1541 and 1580 respectively, testify to the presence of Sephardic Jews from the Iberian Peninsula and the Ottoman Empire. The Venice Ghetto is also home to the Jewish Museum, founded in 1954, which houses a vast collection of historical artifacts, including silverware, textiles, and prayer books. The museum offers a deep dive into the history and culture of Venetian Jewry, with exhibitions spanning from the 16th to the 19th century. Among the most precious pieces are the parochet (curtains for the Torah Ark) and the atarot (crowns for Torah scrolls), showcasing the craftsmanship and religious devotion of the community. The importance of the Venice Ghetto is not only historical but also cultural and social. Over the centuries, Venetian Jews significantly contributed to the economic life of the Serenissima, engaging in activities such as trade, medicine, and money lending. Despite restrictions and periodic waves of antisemitism, the Jewish community managed to maintain its cultural identity, enriching the city with its traditions and knowledge. Today, the Ghetto is a vibrant and lively place, where the ancient synagogues are still in use and important Jewish religious holidays are celebrated. The Venetian Jewish community, although reduced in size, continues to preserve and promote this unique heritage, offering guided tours that allow tourists to explore the synagogues and the museum, immersing themselves in the history and culture of this neighborhood. The tall houses of the ghetto, built to accommodate a growing population in a limited space, are unique in Venice and reflect the ingenuity and resilience of the Jewish community. These buildings, with their added upper floors over the centuries, offer a striking sight and an opportunity to understand the living conditions in the ghetto. The history of the Venice Ghetto is also marked by tragic moments, such as the deportations during the Nazi occupation in World War II, which led to the death of many community members. However, the ghetto is also a symbol of rebirth and resilience, a place where historical memory is continuously renewed and celebrated.