Around the house:
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The Jewish Ghetto
The first Ghetto as such in the world was set up here by the Venetian Republic in 1516 as a quarter in which Jews were segregated. The name comes from a corruption of the word “geto”, meaning “to cast”, in the sense of metal casting. In fact, the neighbourhood had originally been set aside as a sort of “industrial estate” for foundries. Still visible in the Ghetto are several Synagogues, also called “Scole”, identifiable by their domed roofs, and the Jewish Museum, which may be accessed from Campo del Ghetto Nuovo. This small but extremely rich museum exhibits many fine specimens of gold craftsmanship and textiles from between the XVI and XIX centuries, all a veritable legacy witnessing to Jewish tradition. The Campo (large square) is also noteworthy for the surrounding buildings, which are the tallest in the city.
Address: Campo Ghetto Nuovo, 2902 Cannaregio - 30121 - Venezia
Telephone: +39 041715359 Web: www.museoebraico.it
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The Rialto Bridge
Terminated in the XVI century, this stone bridge built on wooden piles replaced a former wooden bridge, which had in turn replaced one made of boats. For a time, this was the only bridge over the Grand Canal. The small and quaint shops at the side on the top of the Bridge afford an added touch of colour.
Address: Ruga degli Orefici (Rialto) San Polo - 30125 - Venezia
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Cà D'Oro
This unique and remarkable building typical of fifteenth-century Venetian Gothic architecture is adorned by fantastic ornamental motifs, rich marbles, and dazzling polychrome and gilding (now largely lost) finish. It strangely yet successfully combines North European and Oriental styles. Its original design most likely contemplated two lower side wings, a typical feature of Venetian buildings of this sort. Only one was built here, probably because of lack of space. The building was erected between 1421 and 1440 by Marin Contarini on the site of a former building, the residence of the Zeno family. Some of the ornamental devices in the Byzantine-Venetian style dating back to the XIII century were incorporated in the new building with a startling architectural and plastic effect. The building is crowned by especially consonant battlements. The works on the façade were carried out by Lombard and Venetian masons under the direction of Matteo Reverti and the Bons. In the mid-XIX century the building underwent restoration works at the hands of Meduna, with additions and unlikely alterations. These blunders have now been remedied and the small sash-windows of the mezzanine and the top-most frieze have been recovered so that today Cà d’Oro stands out as far as possible in its magnificent, harmonious, architectural original self. Thanks to the generosity of Baron Giorgio Franchetti who donated it, the Palace is now in the care of the State. The Palace hosts a not-to-be-missed art gallery with a rich exhibit of statues, bronze figurines, paintings, and works of Flemish and Dutch artists. There are also works by Tintoretto, Titian, Van Dyck, and Alessandro Vittoria.
Address: Cannaregio 3932 Calle della Ca' D'Oro, Strada Nuova - 30131 - Venezia
Telephone: +39 0415238790 0415222249 Web: www.cadoro.org
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Casinò
Address: Via Triestina 222 - 30030 - Venezia (VE)
Telephone: +39 0415297111 Web: www.casinovenezia.it
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