Cultural evening on the ghetto of Venice

On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at MUSAL – Albino Luciani Museum, a cultural evening will be held dedicated to the cultural and historical explanation of the Ghetto of Venice, presented by professor and scholar Elsa Marchiori.

The conference will delve into the cultural and architectural history of this neighborhood, established in 1516 as the first ghetto in the world and the only place mandated by a decree from the Venetian Senate where Jews were required to reside during the Republic of Venice.

The meeting will explore the origins of this area of the Serenissima, formerly home to copper foundries, where the Jewish community could live, work, and practice their faith while still having to abide by severe restrictions and strict nighttime curfews.

Professor Marchiori will lead us on a fascinating ideal journey through the streets of Venice, guiding us to discover a place extraordinarily rich in history and culture.

The analysis will focus on the key points of the neighborhood and its unique urban characteristics, revealing the secrets of the ancient pawnshop Banco Rosso – a renowned Jewish institution closely tied to the socio-economic life of the Serenissima – and the architectural treasures of the ancient synagogue of the Ghetto of Venice, an expression of the different rites and historical communities that cohabited there.

The cultural journey will also touch on the other characteristic shops, the ovens for unleavened bread, and the famous vertically developed buildings in the Cannaregio district.

The evening will conclude with a pleasant refreshment, offering participants a space for discussion and exchange to comment on the themes covered.

The Papa Luciani Foundation is pleased to share this proposal with pilgrims visiting Canale d’Agordo, providing information materials free of charge.

The brochures aim to accompany pilgrims and visitors through the culture and discovery of the local history, the great figures of the native valley of Papa Luciani, and the music.