Jewish Ghetto of Venice
Time Magazine calls this one of the world's 100 most important places
A part of Venice’s history that is rather shameful. The Jewish or
Hebrew ghetto of Venice was the first ghetto for Jews in Europe and was
the place where the word first originated.
This once run down and rather remote area in the
Cannaregio Sestiere, a short distance from Venice's train station,
was where Venice’s Jewish population were forced to live from the 16th
century until the late 18th century when Napoleon lifted the
restrictions on their movements.
The ghetto was guarded, living conditions were cramped and uncomfortable, but despite this, the Jewish population grew to a peak of around 7000 before declining to only 500 after World War II and the Holocaust.
Now enjoying something of a revival, the Jewish Venice Association encourages Jews to return.
They have a Jewish school in the area—the first Jewish school in Venice in over fifty years—bookshops have started to open, and there is even a kosher restaurant. Then there are the five absolutely amazing old synagogues.
You'll find that a lot of the stores in the area cater to the local Jewish community too, with many selling traditional Jewish foods. So if you're craving a bagel, you might well find it here.
Cannaregio's ghetto is not a very touristy district of Venice. Apart from the many Jewish people, from the USA in particular, who make the journey to see an important part of European Jewish history, few visit. That is a mistake.
Even if you are not Jewish, it is still well worth visiting, you will find it a moving experience. The overriding impression here is of cramped buildings; because the area was small, the inhabitants were forced to live one on top of the other, but you can still feel the sense of community here.
The closeness brought people together then and still does today. This is one of the last authentic neighborhoods in Venice. Stroll around, and the sense of community still seems to be tangible. In fact, it is one of the few areas where you don't feel that Venice is primarily designed to cater for tourists. It's also lovely to wander around shops that aren't all selling tacky souvenirs.
Visit the Jewish Museum for a better understanding of what life must have been like here in previous centuries. Entrance to the museum is 4.50 euros.
The ghetto walks, undertaken by an expert on the history of the ghetto, are excellent, providing insights into life here both from an architectural and a historical point of view.
If you want to visit the synagogues, you will only be allowed access with the guided tours, which cost 9 euros. They take an hour, with the first one starting at 10.30 a.m. and the last one at 4.30 p.m. Information is available at the museum.
Interested in learning more about the ghetto? Get a copy of Ghetto of Venice
Staying in the Ghetto
There is only one place in the Venice ghetto area that I can recommend. It is the Cannaregio Residence. The location is right on the edge of the ghetto and in a part of Venice where tourists seldom venture. By staying here you get to experience something 90% of tourists to Venice miss - the real Venice.
The Cannaregio Residence used to be a monastery and now the cloisters are an oasis of green and tranquility - a great place to return to after a day out in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Need a hotel elsewhere in Venice? I'd not hesitate to recommend these.
For more photos of the ghetto visit our galley here.

Please Book with Us... Maria here, if you enjoy my site I'd love your support.
Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) via the link below or with any of the hotel links on the website.
You'll get the best deal available and the income I receive helps me to remain independent and to keep bringing you more of beautiful Italy.
Click to Begin
You'll Enjoy These...
Visiting Venice? There is so much nearby too. So, don’t go missing these 6 incredible and unforgettable sights that will make your trip even more magical!
Come summer I can only take so much history before I need a beach. That's what the Venice Italy Beach Guide is about. Discovering the best beaches near Venice.
Discover the epitome of luxury in Venice. Explore my insider's guide to the best luxury hotels in Venice, where opulence meets elegance.
Looking for unusual things to do in Venice? Why not visit a few of the secret corners of Venice? The Dorsoduro is a good place to start...
Frank's Personal Venice shares the heartbreaking journey of one man, Frank Nelson, and his efforts to understand the city. His moving story is a must-read.
Venice Carnival masks are famous throughout the world and the Carnival itself was recently voted as one of the world’s top five carnivals. See more..
Time Magazine calls the Venice Ghetto one of the world's 100 most important places. Join us in a visual exploration of Jewish Venice...
Discovering the real Venice and Italy: personal experiences, tips, and itineraries illustrated by beautiful photos of Venice and elsewhere.
Your go-to guide for Venice Treviso Airport: find the best flight deals and learn how to travel easily from the airport to Venice
Ever considered visiting Venice Italy? Here is the final temptation you need. Tell me you don't want to pack after seeing this!
Discover a place where every cottage is a different hue and where each and every color mixes and dances in the reflection off the canals. This is Burano!
The Rialto Bridge is the most beautiful bridge in Venice and perhaps the world. There are some very weird secrets surrounding it. Read on to discover them....
Visiting Venice? Want to explore a little of the wonderful Veneto region in which Venice is located? Then our Veneto and Venice itinerary is just what you need.
Getting lost in Venice is the way to discover the amazing secrets and soul of this city. Join us on an adventure down the secret alleys and forgotten canals
Of all the Venice canals, the Grand Canal is the greatest and perhaps the most beautiful avenue in the world. A beautiful avenue of water lined with palaces
Venetian art is world famous and Venice has inspired artists for centuries. I have longed to be able to offer contemporary art that continues that tradition...
San Giacomo in Venice is a little known church—just the type of place I love and one of the most beautiful churches in Venice Italy.
Our page has all the maps you need for Venice and Verona, but the real magic of Venice? Getting lost without a map.
San Giorgio Maggiore, a beautiful church set upon its tiny island, is one of the loveliest of all Venice tourist attractions. Yet, few travel out to the island.
Great advice on how to avoid the crowds if you are visiting Venice in July and some wonderful ideas on things to do.
The Doges Palace is one of those great buildings that exceed even the highest expectations. On a sunny day the building seems to almost float above the Piazza.
Find out exactly where to stay in Venice with our ultimate guide. Explore the top hotels, neighborhoods, and hidden gems for every type of traveler.
Planning a Christmas in Italy? I have everything you need - advice on Italian Christmas traditions, insider tips, weather, great accommodation picks and...
Easter in Venice is wonderful, there's a special feeling in the air and Easter is still celebrated in the traditional way. Be a part of it - click for more.
The best of Venice - 6 experiences you simply must have if you are visiting Venice. Here is the list...
More Travel Tips:
- Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
- Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda help you to book accommodation in advance
- Book your excursions. Wherever you go, make the most of your time! Excursions with professional guides will help you do this - choose a location and the best option for yourself on Viator or Getyourguide
- Book your car. At least a month before is best. Use Discover Car Hire.
- Cash Back on Flights: Great deals & money back with WayAway
- Get peace of mind when traveling. Get insured with VisitorsCoverage.com
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.