Venetian Ghetto
Ghetto di Venezia
The first area in the world to be called a 'Ghetto', with tall buildings around small squares and five historic synagogues.
In 1516, the Venetian Republic confined the city's Jews to this small island in the Cannaregio district, and the word 'ghetto' originated here. Because space was limited, the residential buildings were extended upward to seven or eight storeys, making them the tallest buildings in the city at the time. Around the Campo di Ghetto Nuovo stands a Holocaust memorial relief. The Jewish Museum offers guided tours of the historic synagogues. The museum reopened after an expansion in 2022, so check the official website for ticket prices and hours. The area sees fewer tourists and has a strong local atmosphere, with restaurants along the canal. It is about a 10-minute walk from Venezia Santa Lucia station.
Opening hours
Neighborhood open all day; Jewish Museum closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays
Nearby sights
- Fondaco dei Turchi (Natural History Museum)
- Madonna dell'Orto
- Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari
- Scuola Grande di San Rocco
- Ca' d'Oro
- Rialto Market
- Ca' Rezzonico
- Grand Canal & Rialto Bridge