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Ghetto Ebraico

Jewish Quarter

Historic Jewish neighborhood that originated the term 'ghetto'.

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Sestiere Cannaregio

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Guglie (3-min walk)

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www.ghettovenezia.com

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While the Ghetto is free to explore, synagogues are accessible only via a tour.

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What makes it special

Remarkable history

From the 16th century onwards, Jews were mandated to live here. It is the oldest enforced settlement, with Jews allowed to leave only between dawn and sunset. During the night, the two access bridges were shut and guarded.

Unusually tall houses

At its peak, more than 5000 people were crammed inside this small perimeter, prompting vertical construction and yielding some of the tallest apartment buildings of the era.

Origin of the word

The word 'ghetto' originated here, likely linked to 'giotto' or 'geto' meaning 'foundry' due to the neighborhood's proximity to a former cannon-producing foundry.

Five Synagogues

The Ghetto is home to five historic synagogues: the Italian, Spanish, Levantine, Canton, and the oldest of them all, the Great German Synagogue. Of these, only the Spanish and Levantine are regularly open to visitors.

Ghetto Ebraico : In contrast to the exterior, the interior is rich and refined, highlighted by the striking carved walnut bimah.

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Your experience here

Stroll through a neighborhood that was once a restricted, overcrowded ghetto.
Browse authentic kosher shops rich with tradition.
Step inside two extraordinary synagogues hidden in plain sight.

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How to visit the synagogues

The Spanish and Levantine synagogues can only be visited with a guided tour, running from April to November (except Saturdays).

On Fridays, the tour swaps the Spanish Synagogue for the Italian Synagogue, giving you a slightly different experience.

Tours are offered in two formats and can be booked either at the Ghetto’s ticket office or online.

Self-guided tour

Explore the Ghetto at your own pace using an app packed with helpful information.

Whether you purchase the tour online or on-site, you’ll still need to stop by the ticket office to pick up your tickets and download the app.

The great thing about this format is that you can move entirely at your own speed, without waiting for a group.

Guided tour

Explore the Ghetto with a specialized guide.

Tours run roughly every hour and last about 45 minutes.

You’ll get plenty of detailed information and have ample opportunities to ask questions about the aspects of Jewish history in Venice that interest you most.

Join a Ghetto dinner tour

Combine the history of the Ghetto with delicious tastings on this 4-hour food tour.

Starting at 4 p.m. with groups of up to 14 people, the tour visits six restaurants across the Ghetto and Cannaregio.

Sample local favorites at an old coffee roaster and enjoy traditional Jewish-Venetian dishes like sarde in saor and artichoke bottoms, paired with fine Kosher wine (though the tour is not fully kosher).

You’ll then indulge in superb risotto and pasta, then stop at a historic bakery to sample the famous zaeti, buranelli, and other specialty biscuits and cakes — all while hearing stories and historical accounts about the Ghetto and Venice.