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Jewish Ghetto in Venice?

I’ve booked the RS Best of Venice, Florence and Rome trip this spring. The Pre-Tour Planning tips suggest the Jewish Ghetto in Venice as one place to visit on my own — but there’s nothing about it in the RS Italy guidebook. Interested in the experience of others. Is it worthwhile? Are there tours you recommend, or would I be OK there on my own? Thanks.

Posted by
3147 posts

I started to go to the Jewish Quarter last year but realized it was Saturday and some sights were closed.

You don’t need to take a tour. But if you want to Eating Europe has a Venice Jewish Quarter tour https://www.eatingeurope.com/venice/

I’ve been to Venice three times. Here are a couple small museums that I enjoyed:
In San Polo neighborhood
https://mocenigo.visitmuve.it/en/il-museo/layout-and-collections/itinerary-renewed/
On way to Basilica dei Frari
https://carlogoldoni.visitmuve.it/en/home/
In Costello
https://www.querinistampalia.org/it/
Chiesa di San Zaccaria

Don’t worry about getting lost. Venice is an island, you can’t go far. The back streets are where the charm is.
Buy a vaporetto pass for your pre-tour days

Buon Viaggio!

Posted by
5832 posts

Last time I was in Venice major renovation was going on in the historical Jewish area. I'm not sure if it's completed. It's near the Cannaregio area, known for quiet back canals. Have you tried googling it? Good luck and have a great trip.

Posted by
1112 posts

We spent 4 days in Venice in October and hired a private guide for one full day - so glad we did- she taught us so much and we saw things we'd not have seen on our own

Posted by
723 posts

I was just there a week ago (Monday)
Renovation is finished.
I booked a group tour (45 min) from the Jewish Ghetto tourist office.
https://www.ghettovenezia.com/en/opening-hours/

In addition to learning about the history of the Ghetto, we visited the inside of two stunning synagogues and a small hidden garden (fallow at this time of year but I’m sure beautiful in season).
There was an art exhibit free with our tour.
There’s also a museum that I forgot to visit.

Rick’s full Venice guidebook and his Pocket Venice guidebook lead you in a brief walking tour of the Ghetto.

Posted by
5290 posts

...Jewish Ghetto in Venice...Is it worthwhile? Are there tours..,OK there on my own...

It is definitely worthwhile for many reasons. You can do it on your own, but a tour would be much more enlightnig than any guide book.