Venice-The Jewish Ghetto - since 1516

Every time I have been to Venice I visit the Jewish Ghetto. I don't know why, because it really hasn't changed very much in centuries.

"The Venice Jewish Ghetto was the first in Europe. It was established in 1516, where the English word "ghetto" originated. It is located in Venice's Cannaregio district and was once home to various Jewish communities. Today, it is a historical area with five synagogues, the Jewish Museum of Venice, and a vibrant community that welcomes visitors." 

History and establishment

• Founding: The Venetian Senate decreed the creation of the ghetto on March 29, 1516, to confine Jews to a specific island area called "Gheto Novo," which had previously housed metal foundries.
• Word origin: The word "ghetto" comes from the Venetian dialect word "jto" or "getto," meaning "throw away," which referred to the area's foundry origins.
• Restrictions: Jews were forced to live within the ghetto's walls and were locked in at night by Christian guards. During the day, they had to wear identifying badges and clothes when outside the ghetto.
• Growth and adaptation: The population grew over time, leading to buildings being constructed on top of existing ones to accommodate more people. Some of the tallest buildings in Venice can still be found in the ghetto. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Today

• Community: The area is still the center of Venice's Jewish community and is a major tourist attraction.
• Synagogues: There are five synagogues within the ghetto, which are a testament to the different Jewish communities that lived there. Two are open for tours.
• Museum: The Jewish Museum of Venice, established in 1954, is located within the ghetto and displays artifacts and houses three of the synagogues.
• Pawnshops: The Banco Rosso, a famous pawnshop, still stands in the Ghetto Nuovo and offers insight into the community's economic role in Venice. 
  
  
  

  

  A creative interpretation of the traditional torah scrolls, designed for American tourists!