The Jewish Quarter Venice

Venice is the point of intersection of many cultures and religions. Merchants from all over the world would come here to trade their goods. Some of them would come and go, others settled.

Among those who settled, roughly a thousand were Jews, and in the first half of the 16th century, they were compelled to live in a designated area of Venice, the Jewish Ghetto, located in Cannaregio district, 10 minutes walking distance from Venice railway station.

Well aware that the word “ghetto” might be frowned upon by some, it is worth explaining that its origin is to be found right here in Venice. When established, the Jewish quarter was located near a foundry that produced cannons. The process of crafting these weapons involved pouring molten metal into a mold, an action referred to in Venetian as 'ghetto' and in Italian as 'getto' or 'gettata.' Hence the origin of the term 'ghetto.'

Following the increase of the Jewish population in Venice, they decided to enlarge this area. Still today this area is divided in “Gheto Vecchio” and “Ghetto Novo”, that is “Old Ghetto” and “New Ghetto”.

Within this very peculiar quarter, it is possible to visit two synagogues and taste some Jewish food, especially pastry. The luckiest visitors might even come across celebrations occasionally organized by the Jewish community that still resides here.