A Walking Tour of the Jewish Heritage

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Depart from the pier by private motor launch for a 20-minute cruise to rail station area, you'll disembark and commence your walking along the lively Lista di Spagna.

Follow your tour escort to the Venice Ghetto made famous by Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice. It is now a pleasant neighborhood with lofty synagogues, prestigious schools, and kosher food stores. Yet the fact remains that those who resided here from the 16th to 18th centuries suffered extreme repression and discrimination largely due to the fear that Jewish moneylenders and merchants would infiltrate other sectors of the republic's commerce under a government that thrived on secrecy and control.

In 1516, seven hundred Jews were forced to move to this part of Venice, then an abandoned site of a 14th-century foundry. Like most of the islands that make up Venice, the ghetto was totally surrounded by water. Its two access points were controlled at night and early morning by heavy gates manned by Christian guards (paid for by the Jews), both protecting and segregating its inhabitants.

Within one century, the community grew to more than 5,000, representing many languages and cultures. With the arrival of Napoléon in 1797, the ghetto was disbanded and Jews were free to move wherever they liked, but the Jews realized full freedom only in the late 19th century with the founding of the Italian state. On the eve of World War II there were about 1,500 Jews left in the ghetto. During the Holocaust, 247 Venetian Jews were deported by the Nazis and only eight returned. The Nazis gathered Jews for deportation in the square next to the Casa di Riposo Israelitica. Today, the historic ghetto remains the center of Venice's ever-diminishing Jewish community.

For a closer look at the ethnic character of the Jewish Ghetto, you will be able to tour three different synagogues. Centuries old, these magnificent temples were built to accommodate Jews of different nationalities. Inside, you will find them richly decorated with beautiful hand-carved wood work. You will also have time to visit the little museum where religious objects and a varied collection of silver pieces are displayed followed by free time in the area for shopping before you walk back to the launch pontoon for your transfer back to the ship.

Venice is a multi-faceted jewel and the Historic Jewish Ghetto provides a unique glimpse into its storied past. This intriguing half-day tour makes it possible for you to experience a setting that few visitors experience, to listen to stories few ever hear, and to take away memories that will stay with you forever

Special Notes:

This tour is not available to passengers beginning or ending their voyage in Venice.

Photography is not permitted in the synagogues or museum.

As this excursion involves extensive walking, we recommend guests wear flat, comfortable shoes.

The visit of the Synagogues involves a considerable number of steps. The visited synagogues might change.

Synagogues tour will be provided by the museum guides (COMPULSORY). Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.

This excursion is not wheelchair-accessible.

Please have your shoulders and knees covered when entering religious buildings.

This tour will not operate on Saturdays and other Jewish holidays as the synagogues in the ghetto are closed.