Jewish Museum Venice & the Ghetto: Synagogue Tour, Opening 2026
In brief: The Museo Ebraico di Venezia lies in the historic Jewish Ghetto of Cannaregio — the state-assigned Jewish quarter of the Venetian Republic established in 1516, from which the word “ghetto” spread worldwide. The museum preserves ritual objects, textiles and books of Venice’s Jewish community. Important for 2026: the permanent exhibition is closed for comprehensive restoration. A visit therefore centres on the guided synagogue tours, the garden, the ticket office and the bookshop (in the Ghetto Vecchio, Calle del Forno 1107). The historic synagogues are religious spaces and accessible only as part of a guided tour.
The Venetian Ghetto: exclusion and community life
In 1516 the Venetian Senate assigned the Jewish population a closed residential area in Cannaregio — the site of a former foundry, in Venetian geto. From this word developed the term “ghetto”, which spread worldwide. The area was locked at night and embodied legal exclusion; at the same time, a dense religious, cultural and economic life developed there over centuries. Because the community had to live in a confined space, it built upwards: the houses on the Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, with their low, stacked storeys, are among the tallest residential buildings of historic Venice.
On the upper floors lie five historic synagogues (scole), barely recognisable from outside — the community was not allowed to display them as prestigious buildings. Inside they are all the more splendid: the Scola Levantina and the Scola Spagnola (Ghetto Vecchio) are considered especially impressive, while the Scola Grande Tedesca, Scola Canton and Scola Italiana stand on the Campo di Ghetto Nuovo.
The guided synagogue tour — the real highlight
The historic synagogues are religious spaces and not freely accessible; they can only be visited as part of a guided tour. The tour starts at the ticket office and usually shows two synagogues or synagogue rooms plus the garden. Which rooms are accessible depends on the day of the week, restoration work, Jewish holidays and community life and can change. Tours last around 50–60 minutes and are offered above all in Italian and English; tours in other languages are usually possible via private providers.
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Ticket office / bookshop | Ghetto Vecchio, Calle del Forno 1107. Usually open Sunday–Thursday during the day, shorter on Fridays, closed Saturdays (Shabbat) |
| Guided tours | usually several times a day in Italian and English; exact times seasonal — check in advance |
| Included | Garden + two synagogues or synagogue rooms; which are accessible varies by day, restoration and holidays |
| Closed | Saturdays (Shabbat) and on Jewish holidays; early closing possible before holidays |
Opening and tour times follow Shabbat, Jewish holidays and the restoration schedule. According to current information, it is frequently open Sunday to Thursday during the day (last entry in the late afternoon), shorter on Fridays, closed on Saturdays. Because times and routes change, check the current tour in advance on the official Ghetto Venezia site or pre-book a guided tour.
Prices and visiting rules
Prices: prices and ticket types vary by tour, self-guided app visit, language and reduction (guide: from about €14, reduced cheaper). Check the current 2026 rates directly on the official Ghetto Venezia site or with Venezia Unica.
Visiting rules: religious and security-related rules apply in the synagogues. Shoulders and knees should be covered; security and bag checks as well as photo restrictions are possible, and men may be asked to wear a head covering. The instructions of the museum and the community on site are authoritative.
Getting there
The Ghetto lies in Cannaregio, around 10 minutes’ walk from Santa Lucia station. Nearest vaporetto stops: Guglie or San Marcuola (line 1 / line 2). Coming from the water, cross the Ponte delle Guglie and walk through the Sotoportego del Ghetto onto the Campo di Ghetto Nuovo.
Guided Ghetto and synagogue tours
Guided tours of the Jewish Ghetto with synagogue entry, Cannaregio and “Jewish Venice” walks, plus private tours, are available from our affiliate partner GetYourGuide:
Frequently asked questions about the Museo Ebraico and the Ghetto
Can I visit the museum normally in 2026?
The museum’s permanent exhibition is currently closed for restoration. Open and bookable are the guided synagogue tours, the garden, and the ticket office and bookshop in the Ghetto Vecchio. Plan your visit around a tour rather than the exhibition rooms.
Are the synagogues accessible without a tour?
No. The historic synagogues are religious spaces and can only be visited as part of a guided tour. The tour usually shows two synagogues or synagogue rooms plus the garden; which rooms are accessible depends on the day, restoration, holidays and community life.
What visiting rules apply in the synagogues?
These are religious spaces. Shoulders and knees should be covered; security and bag checks as well as photo restrictions are possible, and men may be asked to wear a head covering. The instructions of the museum and the community on site are authoritative.
Is the Ghetto open on Saturdays?
No. The ticket office, bookshop and tours are closed on Saturdays (Shabbat) and on Jewish holidays. Plan your visit for Sunday to Friday; on Fridays the programme also ends earlier. Times are seasonal — check in advance.
How much does a visit cost?
Prices and ticket types vary by tour, app visit, language and reduction (guide: from about €14). Check the current 2026 rates directly on the official Ghetto Venezia site or with Venezia Unica.
Are there tours in languages other than English?
The official tours run above all in Italian and English. Other languages are offered seasonally by private providers and guides, bookable in advance via tour platforms. With sufficient English you are well served by the official tour.
How much time should I allow?
Around one hour for the guided synagogue tour. With a walk across the Campo di Ghetto Nuovo, the Holocaust memorial by Arbit Blatas, the bookshop and a café stop in Cannaregio, it becomes a quiet half day.