Venice · Cannaregio
Jewish Ghetto
The oldest Jewish quarter in Europe, set up in 1516 in the north of Cannaregio. Tall houses, five synagogues and a museum surround a quiet square.
- 1 h 45
- Free
- Booking: not needed
- Cannaregio
Data checked on October 5, 2026
In 1516 the Venetian Republic ordered the city's Jews to live in this district. The word ghetto comes from the Venetian geto, a metal foundry that once stood here. With little room to grow, the community built upward, and some houses reached eight floors. Today the area is residential and calm, with a museum and five synagogues, two of which are still in use.
What to look for
- The tall houses around Campo del Ghetto Nuovo
- The five synagogues, seen from outside or on a tour
- The Jewish Museum
- The memorial reliefs on the walls of the campo
Opening hours
Always open.
The streets are open at all times. The museum and the synagogues have separate hours and tickets.
Source: Venezia Unica, checked October 5, 2026
Tickets and booking
Free.
Getting there
The Guglie vaporetto stop is a few minutes on foot, and the walk from Venezia Santa Lucia station takes about ten minutes.
Tip
Visit around midday on a weekday, when the square is lively and the shops and cafes are open.