Jewish Ghetto
It was not until 1516 that Jews were allowed to live permanently in Venice, providing they agreed to reside in a strictly segregated section of the city. The area chosen was a small island in the district of Cannaregio, which was accessed by three bridges. The island had once been the site of an iron foundry and, it is thought, the word ghetto is a corruption of the Venetian word getar, meaning to cast.
In 1541 the ghetto expanded to include the neighbouring area of the Gheto Vechio (Old Ghetto), which, somewhat confusingly, is newer than the original ghetto. And in 1633 it was again enlarged to include the Ghetto Novissimo. However, living space remained severely limited. It has been estimated that as many as 5,000 Jews inhabited the area during the 16th and 17th centuries. Their only source of water were four wells; they were prohibited from using all other wells in the city. In time-honoured fashion, the Jews were confined to work mainly as money-lenders.
There are five synagogues within the ghetto and each one is situated on the upper floor of a building. Tours of the synagogues are arranged through the Jewish Museum of Venice.
In 1541 the ghetto expanded to include the neighbouring area of the Gheto Vechio (Old Ghetto), which, somewhat confusingly, is newer than the original ghetto. And in 1633 it was again enlarged to include the Ghetto Novissimo. However, living space remained severely limited. It has been estimated that as many as 5,000 Jews inhabited the area during the 16th and 17th centuries. Their only source of water were four wells; they were prohibited from using all other wells in the city. In time-honoured fashion, the Jews were confined to work mainly as money-lenders.
There are five synagogues within the ghetto and each one is situated on the upper floor of a building. Tours of the synagogues are arranged through the Jewish Museum of Venice.
