The ghetto on the lagoon

On 29 March 1516, the Venetian Senate established the world’s first designated Jewish quarter, known as the ghetto.

Located on a small island in the northeastern part of Venice called Cannaregio, the area was previously used as a dumping ground for a copper foundry.

The Venetian government forced all Jews living in the city to relocate there immediately.

The area was enclosed by canals and tall buildings, with outward-facing doors and windows blocked to prevent escape.

Two iron gates at the bridge to Cannaregio were closed at sunset and opened at dawn, guarded by four Jewish-paid sentinels.

The term ghetto originated from the Venetian word geto, meaning a foundry, but its association with Jewish segregation spread globally.