Jewish Ghetto In Venice Tour

Explore Jewish Venice and Cannaregio

See a side of Venice that is missed by most visitors on this walking tour of the Jewish Ghetto around the Cannaregio district. Join a  small-group tour (maximum 12 people) on a leisurely stroll to see such landmarks as the Deportation Memorial and Synagogues with stories that deepen your understanding of Venice’s Jewish history.

Explore a wealth of history, wonderful food, and surprising landmarks that few visitors ever discover in Venice.

Start your Jewish Ghetto tour at the Cannaregio district, now a fascinating residential area in the northern part of the city. You’ll be aware of the historic Jewish influence the minute you enter this area as you see yellow signs in Hebrew and Italian directing you to the Synagogue. This charming Ghetto Vecchio (Old Ghetto district) is teeming with artisan workshops, galleries, shops, and delis and is best explored at a leisurely pace.

Cross the bridge into Campo del Ghetto Nuovo (New Ghetto Square) which belies its name as it was founded as a fortified island in 1516. Hear how the Venetian Jews were confined to the island and how it became densely populated. The resourceful residents found the solution to the overcrowded conditions; building tenement blocks up to six stories high – an innovative novelty in 16th century Europe!

Walk past the Deportation Memorial, the Levantine Synagogue and the Jewish Museum of Venice on this captivating Jewish Ghetto Venice Tour. Peek inside the famous Antichita al Ghetto antique store and see the Library Renato Maestro with its ancient manuscripts and dusty archives.

One of the most significant highlights of your Jewish Ghetto Venice tour is a series of bas-reliefs in the Campo del Ghetto Nuovo – a sight most visitors to Venice sadly never get to see.

Learn how Napoleon tore down the gates of the Jewish Ghetto, giving Jews the right to live anywhere in this grand “Floating City.” Although only a small percentage of the present-day residents are Jewish, the district is awash with Jewish culture, bakeries, restaurants and handicraft stores.

This hidden niche of cultural life in Venice comes vividly to life as your local guide escorts you from one fascinating corner to the next, regaling you with tales of past residents that will add a rich undertone to your visit in Venice.

Our tour does not include the synagogue because they have their own guides at set hours. You may consider booking your synagogue tour in advance – let us know.