The Ghetto of Venice: a journey into the heart of Jewish Venice

The Jewish ghetto of Venice is an ancient and magical place, full of atmosphere and history, for those who are in the city discovering its history and visiting its streets is almost an obligation. This ancient Jewish neighborhood , still vibrant with life and culture today, is an emblem of charm and testimony to a community that has been able to face challenges and prosper over the centuries.

The ghetto was born in 1516 , with a decree of the Senate of the Serenissima Republic of Venice marking the establishment of the first "ghetto" in Europe. The Jews, previously scattered across the Venetian territory, were confined to a separate enclosure, segregated from the rest of the population. The term "ghetto" derives from the name of the island where an ancient foundry stood, thus indicating the place where the Jews were confined.

The nations present in the Venice ghetto

For three centuries, from the origins of the ghetto until 1797, the neighborhood hosted various ethnic communities:

• Germans;
• Italians;
• Levantines;
• Ponentini.

Although linguistic, cultural and social diversity could create tensions, coexistence led to the formation of a rich and heterogeneous social fabric. The Germans, mainly Ashkenazi, found refuge in the Venetian lands to escape persecution in Central-Eastern Europe. The Italians, coming from Rome and central Italy, lived in the same conditions as the Germans. The Levantines, subjects of the Ottoman Empire, found a welcome in Venice thanks to their contribution to maritime trade. They lived in the Old Ghetto and stood out for their wealth and splendor, also highlighted in the decoration of their synagogue, the Scola Levantina.

The Ponentini, Sephardic Jews who fled Spain in 1492, found a sort of "perfect state" in Venice. Thanks to their representatives and advantageous economic proposals, they were able to build the largest synagogue in the ghetto, the Scola Spagnola, and preserve their culture.

Ancient life in the Jewish ghetto of Venice

The 17th century was a period of relative stability in the ghetto, with a progressive overcoming of differences between nations. The Venetian aristocracy lost its maritime dominance, and the Levantines and Ponentines acquired more and more importance in the city's economy. This favored cultural and intellectual development, despite some external restrictions. However, in the 18th century, increased ghetto taxes and public debt led to a crisis. In 1797, with the arrival of French troops led by Napoleon, the ghetto was demolished , putting an end to three centuries of segregation.

After the liberation, the Jewish community of Venice actively participated in the Risorgimento struggles and contributed to the world conflict. However, the tragic experience of the Holocaust profoundly affected the community, with 246 lives lost in concentration camps. Today, the Ghetto of Venice retains its charm intact, with five magnificent synagogues and a museum that recounts five centuries of Jewish history and culture in the lagoon city . The heritage on display is unique, testifying to the daily life, traditions and resilience of this community.

The synagogues of the Jewish ghetto of Venice

In the heart of the Ghetto of Venice , among the narrow streets and ancient buildings, five synagogues, or "Schole", shine, testifying to the cultural and spiritual richness of the Jewish community of Venice. Let's look at them together in detail. The Schola Grande Germane , located in the same building as the Jewish Museum, is the oldest synagogue in the Ghetto. Built in the 16th century, it is a splendid example of religious architecture, with frescoes and decorations that narrate the history and faith of the German community. Every detail, from the candlesticks to the bimahs, speaks of a fervent and devoted community.

The Schola Canton , also dating back to the 16th century, represents another architectural and artistic jewel. Its walls are adorned with floral and geometric decorations that enchant the eyes of visitors. This synagogue is a testament to the passion and devotion of the community that gathered there. Among the synagogues, the Schola Levantina , however, is an example of how the cultural influence of the Ottoman Empire permeated life in the Ghetto: this synagogue is a masterpiece of oriental style, with rich fabrics and decorations.

The Schola Spagnola was built by Sephardic refugees from Spain in 1492, it is a monument to the rich medieval Spanish Jewish culture. This synagogue, imposing and majestic, houses prayer books and sacred texts in Spanish, testimony to the deep connection with the cultural roots of Spanish Jews. Finally, the Schola Italiana is a symbol of Italian Jewish integration and identity. Built in 1575, this synagogue is an example of how the Italian Jewish community has preserved its faith and tradition in a context of challenges and changes.

The Jewish Museum of Venice

In the heart of the Ghetto of Venice, there is a place of extraordinary importance: the Jewish Ghetto Museum . Founded in the immediate post-war period, this museum is a tribute to the resilience of Venice's Jewish community and a monument to its rich history and culture. Thought of as a sign of rebirth and confidence in the future of Judaism and human dignity. The surviving members of the Jewish community of Venice dedicated themselves with commitment to creating the first Jewish museum in Italy. Initially housed in two rooms adjacent to the three oldest synagogues of the Ghetto, the museum has grown over the years, expanding its collection and exhibition space.

The heritage preserved by the Jewish Community of Venice and displayed in the museum is unique in the world. The different collections of objects, mainly of Venetian origin, come directly from the five synagogues and three study houses that have remained intact since the foundation of the ghetto in 1516. The objects testify to the richness and diversity of Jewish life in Venice through the centuries.

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