Sestiere Cannaregio
Jewish Ghetto
Echoes of a living past
Historic Jewish neighborhood from which the term 'ghetto' originated.
Guglie + 3-min walk
www.ghettovenezia.com
+39 041 524 6083
While the Ghetto can be explored freely, the synagogues are accessible only as part of a tour.
Additional resources
What makes this place special
Remarkable history
From the 16th century onwards, Jews were mandated to live here. It is the oldest enforced settlement, with Jews allowed to leave only between dawn and sunset. During the night, the two access bridges were shut and guarded.
Unusually tall houses
At its peak, more than 5000 people were crammed inside this small perimeter, prompting vertical construction and yielding some of the tallest apartment buildings of the era.
Origin of the word
The word 'ghetto' originated here, likely linked to 'giotto' or 'geto' meaning 'foundry' due to the neighborhood's proximity to a former cannon-producing foundry.
Five Synagogues
The Ghetto is home to five historic synagogues: the Italian, Spanish, Levantine, Canton, and the oldest of them all, the Great German Synagogue. Of these, only the Spanish and Levantine are regularly open to visitors.
Discover more about Jewish Ghetto through 13 photos with explanations.
Open galleryWhat to experience here
- Stroll through a neighborhood that was once a restricted, overcrowded ghetto.
- Browse authentic kosher shops rich with tradition.
- Step inside two extraordinary synagogues hidden in plain sight.
How to visit the synagogues
Access to the two visitable synagogues, the Spanish and the Levantine, is only possible as part of a guided tour: either in a group led by an expert guide or via a self-guided visit using an app.
The official ticket office of the Ghetto offers both options from April to November (except Saturdays), although more in-depth third-party tours are also available outside this period and are described below.
On Fridays, visits to the Levantine Synagogue are usually replaced by the Italian Synagogue, offering a slightly different experience.
Here's an overview of the available options.
Self-guided tour with an app
Access to the app costs €12, with an additional €2 fee for online bookings. There is no meaningful difference between booking online or on-site, as the experience remains the same: you'll still need to stop by the ticket office to collect your included synagogue tickets and download the app.
The app is packed with helpful information, though we found it is not perfect and does not yet work fully offline - but these are issues that are hopefully being continuously improved.
The main advantage of this format is the freedom it offers: you can move entirely at your own pace, without waiting for a group, and spend as much time as you like in the synagogues.
Official guided tour
The ticket office also organizes guided tours almost every hour, available in both Italian and English.
Joining the official guided tours costs €15, with an additional €2 fee for online bookings.
The tour lasts about 45 minutes and is fairly introductory in nature, mainly serving as a way to access the two historic synagogues. It provides a concise overview and a straightforward introduction to the site, making it a good option for visitors short on time or simply looking for the essentials.
More in-depth guided tours
While the official tour offers a good introduction, it remains relatively limited in scope. It is also only available between April and November.
For visitors seeking a deeper understanding of the Venetian Ghetto's history and more time inside the synagogues, two longer options are available year-round.
They offer a noticeably richer experience, with more detailed storytelling and knowledgeable guides who are happy to answer questions, allowing you to focus on the aspects of Jewish history in Venice that interest you most.
The standard 1.5-hour option strikes a good balance between time and depth, making it a solid introduction to the synagogues.
The slightly longer tour - while similarly priced on a per-hour basis once extras are included - naturally allows for more time inside the two synagogues: about one hour in total, with expert commentary that adds extra depth throughout the visit.
Private guided tour
Private guided tours are available by appointment only and start with an enquiry by email. Tours can be arranged in Italian, English, French, German, Hebrew, and Spanish.
Depending on the arrangement, they may include exclusive access to three synagogues, the Secret Garden, and the old Jewish cemetery. A personal guide is included, and prices generally range from €100 to €200 depending on the scope of the visit.
Join a Ghetto dinner tour
While the guided tours above focus on the historical narrative of the Venetian Ghetto, this experience goes a step further by pairing those stories with food, tradition, and local tastings.
Starting every day at 4 p.m. with groups of up to 14 people, this 4-hour tour visits six restaurants across the Ghetto and Cannaregio.
You'll sample local favorites at an old coffee roaster and enjoy traditional Jewish-Venetian dishes such as sarde in saor and artichoke bottoms, paired with fine kosher wine (though the tour is not fully kosher).
The experience continues with traditional risotto and pasta dishes, before ending at a historic bakery to sample the famous zaeti, buranelli, and other specialty biscuits and cakes - all while hearing stories and historical insights about the Ghetto and Venice.
Your questions, answered
Common questions about visiting Jewish Ghetto, answered to help you plan your visit.
Where is the ticket office located?
The neighbourhood can be explored freely, but if you wish to enter the synagogues, you'll need to pass by the ticket office to collect your tickets and receive instructions before both guided and self-guided visits begin. The office is located at the south-west end of Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, next to the Ponte del Ghetto Vecchio.
Do I need to book online for any of the tours?
The longer tours from third-party providers can only be booked online, while the official tour can also be booked on site, with tours running frequently throughout the day. For the self-guided tour with the app, there is no advantage in booking online: there is no limited availability, and you'll still need to visit the ticket office to collect your ticket and download the app.
Are all five synagogues open to visitors?
No. Only the Spanish and Levantine synagogues are included in regular visits. On Fridays and certain occasions, the Levantine visit is sometimes replaced by the Italian synagogue.
Is there a dress code for visiting the synagogues?
Modest dress is required, with shoulders and knees covered. Men must also wear a head covering (kippah), which is provided at the entrance for visitors.
What to see nearby
These attractions are within walking distance of Jewish Ghetto:
5-10 min away
Madonna dell'Orto
10-15 min away
Palazzo Mocenigo
10-15 min away
Campo San Giacomo
15-25 min away
Creature di Gomma
15-25 min away
Frari Basilica
15-25 min away
San Polo
15-25 min away
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