Venetian Ghetto, Venice

Venetian Ghetto

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Synopsis

Venice's old Jewish quarter is the original ghetto, from which all others take their name. The term is derived from the Venetian word for 'foundry', which is what lay at the heart of this area until it was designated home to Venic … Read more

While tourists flock to the Piazza San Marco, not so many people know that Venice is actually home to the very first Jewish Ghetto in the world. The Jewish Ghetto is one of the best preserved hidden gems of Venice. In the first glance, you may be surprised by the apparent lack of synagogues in the Jewish Ghetto, but look upwards and you’ll see that the synagogues occupy the top floors of the buildings.

This historic neighbor is great for relaxed exploring away from the worst of Venice’s crowds, as you scan the Jewish Ghetto’s skyline in search for differently-styled synagogues; don’t forget to keep an eye on the souvenir stores, bakeries with delicious specialties and restaurants on the ground level of the buildings. There’s also a Jewish Museum that you can visit to learn more about the area and lives of the Jews in Venice.