How long does it take to walk through the Venice Jewish Ghetto?

A thorough self-guided walk takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to stop at the Holocaust memorials, browse the shops in Ghetto Vecchio, and appreciate the architecture of the five synagogues.

Is the Venice Ghetto worth visiting?

Yes, it is one of Venice's most historically significant neighborhoods. It offers a quieter, more reflective atmosphere compared to the tourist center and provides essential context for the history of the Jewish diaspora in Europe.

Where did the word 'ghetto' come from?

The word originated in Venice. It comes from the Venetian word 'geto,' which means 'casting' or 'foundry,' because the first Jewish quarter was established on the site of a former copper foundry.

Can I visit the synagogues in the Venice Ghetto?

Yes, several synagogues can be visited, but usually only as part of a scheduled visit coordinated by the Jewish Museum of Venice. They are active places of worship and are closed to visitors on Saturdays and during Jewish holidays.

What are the 'skyscrapers' of Venice?

In the Ghetto Nuovo, buildings reach up to seven or eight stories high. These were built because the Jewish population grew while the geographic boundaries of the Ghetto remained fixed, forcing the community to build vertically.

When is the best time to visit the Ghetto?

Morning is ideal to see the neighborhood waking up and to visit the bakeries. Note that Friday afternoons and Saturdays are very quiet as the community observes Shabbat, and most Jewish-owned businesses will be closed.

Is the Venice Ghetto accessible for wheelchairs?

The main square (Campo di Ghetto Nuovo) is flat and accessible, but reaching it requires crossing bridges with steps. Venice's bridges are the primary obstacle for those with limited mobility.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the crowded canals of San Marco and discover one of the most significant yet often overlooked chapters of Venetian history. This self-guided walk takes you into the heart of the Cannaregio district, home to the world’s first 'ghetto.' Established in 1516 by the Venetian Republic, this small corner of the city became a secluded island where the Jewish community was required to live. On this walking route, you will uncover why the word 'ghetto' originated here—derived from the Venetian word 'geto,' meaning foundry—and how the community adapted to extreme space constraints by building Venice’s only 'skyscrapers.' As you explore independently, you will encounter five historic synagogues hidden behind unassuming facades, vibrant kosher bakeries, and poignant memorials that honor the resilience of the Jewish people through centuries of segregation and the tragedy of the Holocaust. This walking tour Venice experience provides a deep dive into the cultural and religious tapestry of the city, focusing on the Spanish and Levantine synagogues and the bustling Campo di Ghetto Nuovo. Unlike the grand palazzos of the Grand Canal, the architecture here is humble but profound, reflecting a history of necessity and survival. Whether you are interested in the theological history of the Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities or simply want to find a peaceful, meaningful neighborhood stroll, this route offers a unique perspective on the Venetian Republic's complex legacy of tolerance and restriction.

Highlights

Origin site of the word 'Ghetto' from the 16th-century foundries

The 'Skyscrapers of Venice'—exceptionally tall tenement buildings

Five historic synagogues hidden in plain sight

Moving Holocaust memorials by sculptor Arbit Blatas

Authentic kosher bakeries and artisan shops in Ghetto Vecchio

The peaceful atmosphere of the Campo di Ghetto Nuovo

Tour Stops (6)

Ponte delle Guglie

Start your self-guided walk at the 'Bridge of Spires,' one of the few bridges in Venice adorned with decorative obelisks. This landmark serves as the gateway to the Cannaregio district. As you look toward the entrance of the Jewish Ghetto, imagine the heavy gates that once stood here. In 1516, the Venetian Senate decreed that all Jews must live on this island, which was formerly the site of a copper foundry. At night, the gates were locked and patrolled by Christian guards—paid for by the Jewish residents themselves. This bridge marks the boundary between the wider city and the confined space where a vibrant, scholarly, and resilient community flourished despite their isolation.

Sinagoga Levantina

Walking into the Ghetto Vecchio, you encounter the Levantine Synagogue. Established in the 1530s, it served the Jewish merchants arriving from the Ottoman Empire. Notice the building's exterior; it features a prominent 'bimah' or pulpit that projects outward, a rare architectural feature in Venice. The interior, which can sometimes be visited via the Jewish Museum, is a masterpiece of Baroque woodcarving attributed to the school of Andrea Brustolon. The presence of this synagogue highlights the diversity within the Ghetto, where different 'nations' of Jewish people—Levantine, Spanish, German, and Italian—maintained their own distinct traditions and places of worship.

Sinagoga Spagnola

A few steps away stands the Spanish Synagogue, the largest and most imposing in Venice. Founded by Sephardic Jews who fled the Iberian Peninsula, this synagogue was designed by the famous Venetian architect Baldassarre Longhena, the same man who built the iconic Salute church. Because Jewish law and Venetian restrictions prevented grand external religious architecture, the building looks like a large apartment block from the outside. Inside, however, it is a stunning display of marble, chandeliers, and red upholstery. It has been in continuous use since the 16th century, standing as a testament to the enduring presence of the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community in Venice.

Calle Ghetto Vecchio

As you wander through the narrow Calle Ghetto Vecchio, take a moment to appreciate the sensory details. This street is lined with kosher restaurants, art galleries specializing in Judaica, and traditional bakeries. Keep an eye out for 'impade'—a traditional almond-filled pastry brought to Venice by Jewish families. Despite its name, the 'Ghetto Vecchio' (Old Ghetto) was actually an expansion added in 1541, whereas the 'Ghetto Nuovo' (New Ghetto) is the original site. The narrowness of this street and the height of the buildings illustrate the density of life here; when the population grew but the boundaries could not, the only way to build was up.

Sinagoghe e Museo Ebraico di Venezia

You are now approaching the Jewish Museum of Venice, located between two of the oldest synagogues, the Scola Tedesca and the Scola Canton. The museum serves as a vital repository of Venetian Jewish history, housing silver ritual objects, ancient manuscripts, and textiles. Look up at the top floors of the surrounding buildings in the Campo. You will see small domes or rows of five windows; these often indicate the location of a synagogue. Because Jews were not allowed to build separate religious structures, they integrated their houses of worship into the top floors of existing residential buildings to be 'closer to the heavens.'

Campo di Ghetto Nuovo

This wide, open square is the heart of the original 1516 Ghetto. It feels different from any other campo in Venice. Look at the surrounding houses; they are seven or eight stories high—effectively the world's first skyscrapers—built that way because the island could not be expanded. On the walls, you will find the Holocaust Memorial by Arbit Blatas, consisting of bronze reliefs commemorating the 246 Venetian Jews deported during the Nazi occupation; only eight returned. Near the well-heads, look for the 'Stolpersteine' or stumbling stones—small brass plaques in the pavement marking the last known residences of victims of the Shoah. This is a place of profound memory and quiet reflection.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to explore the Ghetto is via a self-guided walk that allows you to linger in the Campo di Ghetto Nuovo and visit the synagogues at your own pace. This route covers the transition from the Ponte delle Guglie into the historic heart of the district, focusing on the unique high-rise architecture and religious history.