Both Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews arrived for different reasons in

Venice during the course of the centuries, and, although the Ghetto

wasn't established until 1516, the Jewish presence was already of great

relevance in Venice since the second half of the 14th century.

Our walk will start with a short visit to St Mark's Square, where all main

political decisions about the Jews and the other foreign communities

were taken. Here, in front of the Doges' Palace, we'll briefly sketch out

the attitude of the Venetian government towards the Papacy on one

side and towards the Jews on the other.

We shall then proceed to the Rialto market area, for long centuries a world-wide important seat of

banking and mercantile transactions. Here, symbolically on the very tracks of Shylock, we'll try to

frame the history of the Jews Venice into the wider economic history of Europe.

After having crossed the Grand Canal on a "traghetto" (i.e. a gondola ferry) we'll visit the three areas

of the Ghetto (Ghetto Nuovo, Ghetto Vecchio and Ghetto Novissimo), retracing the history of the

Jewish Community of Venice up to our days. If there will be time we shall also have a look at the

small but well arranged Jewish Museum located there.

At this point our private tour will be over. If you wish you can then join one of the group tours

departing every hour from the Jewish Museum and including a visit to three out of five synagogues.

Before leaving our guide will provide you with all necessary instructions about how to go back to

central Venice on foot or by boat.



This is a three hour tour
Cost for this tour (up to six people) = 225 euros
if you are a larger party please send us an email

See all Walks inside Venice tours

See our video about the Ghetto of Venice