The Jewish cemetery in Venice Lido

The Venice Lido is famous for the important film festival that takes place every year, attended by Italian and international stars.

But this island hides a jewel of medieval art: the Jewish cemetery. The Jewish community of Venice, one of the largest in Europe, was permitted by the government of the Venetian Republic in 1386 to have its own cemetery, but this had to be located away from the city. They were therefore granted land on the island of Lido, which was at the time almost entirely uninhabited.

This cemetery was extended several times and used until the fall of the Venetian Republic. During the nineteenth century, the cemetery was almost completely abandoned and some parts were expropriated to build a shooting range.

In 1999 the restoration and recovery of many tombstones, dating between 1550 and the beginning of the 17th century, was initiated. Among the graves are those of the poet Sarah Coppio, Sullam, the Rabbi Leone da Modena, and the intellectual Simon Luzzatto, all leading figures in the cultural life of the ghetto in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The Jewish Cemetery on the Lido, with its romantic and charming atmosphere, is the ideal place to visit for those wanting to escape from the bustle of the red carpet!