The incredible architecture of the city seems to float on the surface of the canals. It is ancient and has been an important and powerful city since its founding. As a crossroads between the Byzantine and Roman worlds, Venice developed a unique culture and style that remains visible today.
The Jewish community in Venice began as a collection of refugees. Jews from Germany and Central Europe created the Ashkenasi community, Spanish and Portuguese refugees the Sephardim, and the Levantines came in from Constantinople. Many became money lenders helping to finance the Palazzos and acting as a vital cog in the city's booming economy.
Venice was home to the world's first Jewish ghetto, established in 1516. The word ghetto is derived from the Italian word getto (foundry). The ghetto is located on an island, separated from the rest of the city per Pope Paul IV's strict segregation rules. Two large gates closed off the area after curfew and the hinges of those gates are still visible. The ghetto residents were marked by yellow rounds on their chest or yellow hats.
Despite impossible to assimilate conditions the Jewish community thrived becoming both wealthy and highly educated. Many important figures emerged including doctors responsible for treating royalty, Kabbalists, Talmudists, Gnostics, Alchemists, politicians and poets.
At last count there were approximately 500 Jews living in Venice, only a few of whom continue to live in the Ghetto. Musea Ebraica (Jewish Museum) has an extensive collection of Judaica objects from intricately carved silver. The entrance includes a visit several synagogues counted among the most beautiful in Northern Italy.
For anyone planning a tour of Italy, Venice is a stop not to be missed.
No comments:
Post a Comment