In 1516 all Jews in Venice were confined to an area in Cannaregio. This is the world’s oldest ghetto. Christian guards manned two water gates to this islet. The name “ghetto” was used after a foundry that formerly occupied the site. Eventually, all Jewish neighborhoods throughout the world were called ghettos. The Jews were allowed out of the Ghetto during the day. The only trades they were allowed to pursue were textiles, money lending, and medicine. They were not allowed to own property. Even back then they had to wear identifying badges and caps. As their numbers grew the Ghetto had to expand so buildings rose vertically. By the mid-1600s they numbered over 5,000 people. It was not until 1866 that they were granted their freedom. Of the 500 Jews now in Venice, about 30 live in the Ghetto.
We entered the small Jewish Museum to see artifacts and two centuries old synagogues inside two tall old buildings. The elaborate décor hidden inside would never be revealed from the outside of the buildings. This room was built in 1528 with gold and fake marble. Women could only be up in the balcony.
This room was built in 1531 as a French synagogue. There were images of the Exodus on the walls, but never images of people.
You would never guess such a beautiful synagogue, Scola Levantina, would be housed inside this building. Here our group is gathering by the front door. The following pictures are the inside!
2020 Vision of Venice 