Jewish Ghetto in Venice

Major sights in Venice

The Venice Jewish Ghetto is the most ancient of Europe, instituted in March 1516 in consequence to the laws issued by the Serenissima Repubblica.
It was an area where Jews were forced to live and which they could not leave from sunset to dawn. The area was closed by gates watched by guards and up till now the marks of the hinges are visible there. Jews were allowed to practice only some professions: they were doctors, because they were the most prepared and able to understand Arab writings, money lenders, because Catholic religion forbade this practice, merchants and "strazzarioli", ragsellers.
The Ghetto was eliminated by Napoleon when, in 1797, he conquered Venice, opening every gate: Jews were finally free to live in all areas of the city.

Today, the Ghetto is still the main home of the Jewish community, with the synagogues and the Jewish museum, which is small but rich in precious objects that testimony of this people's history and culture.

Don't miss to visit the Jewish Museum of Venice.
It was opened in 1955 and was renewed in 1986, when it was enriched with many donations.
You will find materials, silver objects and valuables used during prayer and to decorate the synagogues: Ataroth, Chuppoth, Ketubboth, Meghilloth, Meilim, Menoroth, Parochoth, Rimmonim, Shofaroth, Tallitot, Yaddaim.

Official website: www.ghetto.it