Discover a hidden place that holds almost eight centuries of Jewish history in Padua.
Stroll among the ancient gravestones, listen to the stories of the past and let yourself be taken on a unique journey into the collective memory of the city.
During the visit, you will be able to read the ancient gravestones that, for the first time in the city, testify to the transition from the use of the Hebrew language to the Italian language and thus represent a concrete trace of the process of emancipation of the Jewish component, which began after the abolition of the Paduan Ghetto.
🎩 Appropriate clothing is recommended and men are kindly requested to wear a hat.
We look forward to an unprecedented journey through rituals, culture and history!
The Synagogue
of Italian rite
The Italian rite Synagogue is undoubtedly among the must-visit places in Padua. Founded in 1548, still in use, embellished with elegant eighteenth-century furnishings.
Guided Tour
and multimedia experience
Guided tours to accompany you in the visit of the Museum, Italian Synagogue, and the ancient Jewish Cemeteries of the city. The arches of the matroneum become a canvas for an immersive multimedia experience.
Presented at the ticket office of the Eremitani Museum you will be entitled to a reduction on the entrance ticket to the Civic Museums of Padua
Sunday 6 JULY 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Thursday 10 JULY 2025 | 5:30 a.m. – 7:00
p.m.
Via Canal Old Jewish Cemetery
Via Pietro Canal, 43
35137 Padua (PD)
Present yourself 5 minutes before the time at the entrance.
FREE for residents in Padua and its province (with ID)
€ 10,00 for non-residents
Reservation recommended!
A very old story is narrated through these narrow and restricted streets: the story of the Jewish settlement, its commercial, social, cultural and religious past.
Four gates closed the Ghetto: a sign on one of them forbade Jews as well as Christians to go through the gates at night.
The Italian Synagogue (1548) is still the prayer site for the members of the Community of Padua. The hall is marked out by the elegant and refined “marmorino” decorations and delicate stucco works dating back to neoclassic times.
The Aron Kodesh, made of polychrome marbles, on the eastern wall faces the Bimah, crafted from wood of a century-old tree felled by a storm in the Botanical Garden of the city.
In the heart of the historic center of Padua and in the ancient ghetto stands the museum that tells the history and traditions of the local Jewish Community, from its inception to the present day.
The structure is housed in the first and largest Ashkenazi Synagogue, founded in 1522 and remained active until May 1943, when it was set on fire by a group of Paduan fascists.
Within the museum, visitors can experience a multimedia journey thanks to the immersive video installation by director Denis Brotto, which allows them to delve into the lives of ten prominent figures from the history of the Paduan Jewish community
You can dive into the life of ten illustrious characters of Padua Jewish life. The characters come to life to narrate their stories through the places representing Padua Judaism.
The Stumbling Stones, laid in the pavement in memory of the victims of Nazi-Fascism, many of which are also visible in the 'ghetto'
In front of the victim's last residence stands a block of stone covered with a brass plate engraved with the name of the deported person, year of birth, date, place of deportation, and, if known, the date of death.
Founded in 1384, the cemetery located along Via Wiel represents one of the four Jewish cemeteries still present in the city of Padua. This ancient sacred place retains its historical significance intact and hosts the tombs of prominent figures of the local Jewish community.
Among these stand out Rabbi Meir Katzenellenbogen (Maharam), his son Samuel Judah Katzenellenbogen, as well as the doctors Abram Catalan and Moshe David Valle.
For reservations or information, fill out the form and we will be happy to respond
For reservations or information, fill out the form and we will be happy to respond