Ghetto of Venice

The Ghetto of Venice refers to the area designated in 1516 where Venice confined its Jewish population. It was created to restrict their movement and separate them from the general populace, often leading to overcrowded and impoverished conditions. The term "ghetto" originated from this district, derived from "geto" or "gheto" in Venetian dialect. Over time, it became a cultural hub where Jewish traditions and communities thrived despite restrictions. The Venetian ghetto is historically significant as one of the earliest examples of such segregated Jewish neighborhoods, influencing similar developments across Europe.