Are you thinking of visiting the most important Jewish quarters in Italy and Spain? We totally understand you: their streets have an unmistakable personality. Stay with us to find out which ones are the most suitable for those who love history as much as you do.

The most important Jewish quarters in Italy and Spain bear witness to the passage of the Hebrew people through both countries. Despite being a community that suffered harassment and expulsions, they left a lasting mark in some of their main cities. Are you ready to join us in some of them?

What are the most important Jewish neighborhoods in Italy and Spain?

Italy: this is how the oldest Jewish community in Western Europe lived

Venice

Founded in 1516, the Jewish quarter of Venice is one of the oldest Jewish ghettos in the world. Located in Cannaregio, it is made up of three islands connected by bridges. In terms of urban planning, it stands out for its tall, colorful buildings.

Since its founding until today, the Jewish quarter has been one of the most vibrant corners of the city. This lively atmosphere is due to its numerous kosher restaurants and artisan shops.

This Jewish quarter could not be more unique. It is difficult to notice the existence of its five synagogues, as they are built on secular buildings. And did you know that its Jewish Museum houses the first rabbinical Bible printed in Venice?

Pitigliano

Pitigliano is a must-see in any post about the most important Jewish quarters in Italy and Spain. Not in vain, is this town in Tuscany known as Little Jerusalem, as Jews have always enjoyed a peaceful and harmonious existence here.

This Jewish quarter may not be very large, but it has everything you need to understand how Jews lived in the Middle Ages. This is evidenced by its beautiful Synagogue, the necropolis, the slaughterhouse, the ritual bath, the wine cellar and the oven. In addition, recent restorations have revitalized the natural charm of this neighborhood.

Rome: a must in a post about the most important Jewish quarters in Italy and Spain

The Jewish quarter of Rome will captivate you from the first moment with its eclecticism. Although it was created in 1555, what has survived to us are reconstructions carried out during the 19th century. However, it still houses relics from the time of Augustus (such as the Portico d'Ottavia, the Largo di Torre Argentina, and the Teatro di Marcello).

The architectural wealth that this district contains is invaluable. Magnificent examples of this are the Tempio Maggiore (Great Synagogue) and the Fontana delle Tartarughe. It is also worth crossing the Pons Judaeorum to discover Tiber Island and the macabre legend that surrounds it.

Ferrara

The medieval quarter of Ferrara still preserves numerous signs of the Jewish presence in Italy. This community lived segregated in this part of the city between 1627 and 1861.

Under the protection of the Este duchy, the Jews were able to form one of their largest and most important communities in Italy here. Its nerve center is Via Mazzini, where the Synagogue is located at number 95. The MEIS (National Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah) is just a few steps away.

Spain: an unforgettable encounter with Sefarad

Toledo

It would be unforgivable to list the most important Jewish quarters in Italy and Spain without mentioning a neighborhood as important as Toledo. What's more, we know that the Jewish community was present in this city of Castile-La Mancha since the 4th century.

The Jewish quarter of Toledo covers the area between the Daycán tower and the San Martín bridge. Among its main architectural landmarks are synagogues such as Santa María la Blanca and Samuel Leví. You also can't miss the Sephardic Museum or the House of the Jew. At this point, the personalized itineraries offered by Madrid Tour Experience provide an unbeatable way to delve deeper into the city's Sephardic past.

Many corners of Toledo are strongly linked to the Sephardic community. Such is the case of the Cambron´s Gate, which gave access to the Jewish quarter. The same can be said of various streets (such as the Hyacinth Alley), silent witnesses of tragic legends.

Cáceres

We continue our tour of the most important Jewish quarters in Italy and Spain with the one in Cáceres. The current San Antonio de las Quebradas neighborhood is located to the southeast of the walled historic center and stands out for its intricate network of narrow streets.

The main monument of this Jewish quarter was the old Synagogue (today the Hermitage of Saint Anthony). Confiscated from the Jews in 1470, they were forced to settle in the new Jewish quarter, whose religious temple is today the Marqués de la Isla´s Palace.

Segovia

Segovia was, along with Toledo and Madrid, one of the main settlements of the Sephardim. That is why it is a must-see for all those who want to know what life was like for Spanish Jews in the Middle Ages.

Segovia is full of monuments that remind us of its Sephardic past. Such is the case of the St. Andrew´s Gate and the Jewish necropolis. Likewise, it is still possible to find vestiges of what was the old Main Synagogue in the current Corpus Christi convent. Learn even more about this magical neighborhood by visiting the Jewish Quarter Education Center, located in what was the house of Abraham Seneor.

Lucena

Did you know that Lucena was known as “The Pearl of Sefarad”? This Cordoban town was home to one of the most important Jewish quarters in the Iberian Peninsula. This was so much so that it had the largest Jewish necropolis on the continent.

Given its importance, Lucena was home to such illustrious Hebrews as Maimonides himself. It even had its own academy of Talmudic studies!

Once you know everything that awaits you in the most important Jewish quarters in Italy and Spain, it is logical that you want to visit them as soon as possible. Turn your trip into a unique experience by booking a private tour of the Jewish quarters ofMadrid, Segovia or Toledo.