Tall and narrow medieval buildings crowd the spacious plazas while a synagogue takes pride of place in this once-enclosed space that isolated the Jewish people of Verona.
The Jewish Ghetto is a place of historic segregation, where Jewish people were cut off from the rest of Verona society from the early 1600s until the end of the 18th century. This quarter today possesses a range of fascinating Jewish buildings and cultural artifacts that tell the story of this exclusion. Take a guided tour on your visit to the Jewish Ghetto to understand the tale of tragedy and perseverance, stopping at the architectural highlights along the way.
The most prominent building in the Jewish Ghetto area is the Sinagoga di Verona, for which the Jewish people had to raise and borrow the funds themselves. Enter through the modern façade and admire the botanical motifs adorning the walls of the vestibule. Inspect the historic religious relics and the impressive paintings. The synagogue is still in use today.
Learn about the history of the ghetto, which was eventually torn down in 1797 during the French occupation of the city, allowing Jewish people to live in any part of the city. Hear how, like in other parts of Europe, they were heavily taxed and controlled here. Unlike elsewhere, evidence suggests that certain Jewish people were pleased to be sectioned off and protected from the rest of the city.
Stroll around the Piazza Erbe and notice the historic buildings that were once part of the ghetto. The buildings constructed by the Jewish people in this area are typically tall and narrow.
The Jewish Ghetto was right in the nucleus of the Città Antica, the historic center of Verona. Travel by bus to one of the stops in and around the former ghetto and get around on foot. While here, make sure to see some of the nearby highlights, from the Fontana Madonna Verona and the Piazza dei Signori, to the Casa di Romeo and the Palazzo Maffei.
