The First Ghetto. 🕎
Established in 1516. The word "ghetto" originated here (from "getar," the local foundry). It was the only place Jews were allowed to live in the Venetian Republic.
Skyscrapers
Because space was limited but the population grew, residents built up. The buildings here are 7 or 8 stories high—the tallest in historic Venice.
The Atmosphere
It is quiet. Children play soccer in the Campo di Ghetto Nuovo. There are five historic synagogues hidden on the top floors of the buildings.
The Cicchetti Crawl. 🍷
Venetians don't sit down for lunch. They stand at a "bacaro" (wine bar), drink an "ombra" (small glass of wine), and eat "cicchetti" (finger food).
Baccalà Mantecato
The king of snacks. Creamed dried cod whipped with olive oil until it looks like mousse, served on a slice of baguette. It is addictive.
All'Arco
A legendary tiny bar near the Rialto Market. It is always packed with market workers. Order the crostini and get out of the way.
The Price
This is the cheapest way to eat in Venice. A plate of 3-4 cicchetti and a glass of wine can cost less than €10.
Castello
High Water Books
Libreria Acqua Alta. 📖
How do you keep books dry in a city that floods? You store them in bathtubs, waterproof bins, and a full-sized gondola right in the middle of the shop.
The Book Staircase:
In the back courtyard, there is a staircase made entirely of old, water-damaged encyclopedias. Climb it to look over the wall at the canal passing by.
The Snail. 🐌
The *Scala Contarini del Bovolo*. Tucked away in a dead-end alley near San Marco, most tourists walk right past it.
The Architecture
It is a stunning external spiral staircase (bovolo means "snail" in Venetian). It mixes Renaissance, Gothic, and Byzantine styles in a dizzying corkscrew.
The View
Climb to the top for a unique view of the rooftops and the Campanile. It is much quieter than the bell tower in the main square.