Story of Bologna districts: the former Jewish ghetto

The ancient Jewish ghetto, inthe heart of the medieval centre, still retains its original structure. A maze of alleyways and suspended passages, covered bridges and small windows that tells thestory of an entire community, that was forced to live in a confined area of Italian cities by the Church-State from 1556.

• The history of the Jewish community

In the heart of the medieval center, the ancient Jewish Ghetto of Bologna still preserves its original structure: a maze of alleys, suspended passages, covered bridges and small windows.
From 1556, the Papal State forced Jews to live here, in a confined and guarded space.

The Jews remained until 1569, when they were expelled for the first time, and then again between 1586, when they were allowed to return to the city, and 1593, the year of the final expulsion.

The heart of the district is Via dell’Inferno, probably named for its poor lighting and unwelcoming reputation.

From here branch out narrow streets:

• Via de' Giudei (once Via S. Marco and later Via delle Due Torri)
• Via Canonica (formerly Via Canonica S. Donato)
• Vicolo di S. Giobbe
• Vicolo Mandria
• Via del Carro
• Via Valdonica

➝ In January 2020 the first 15 stumbling stones were laid in Bologna: in Via de' Gombruti 9, Via del Cestello 4, Strada Maggiore 13 and Via Rimesse 25.

Stumbling stones in Via de' Gombruti 9; via storiaememoriadibologna.it

• The Synagogue and religious buildings

At Via dell’Inferno 16 stands the ancient seat of the Synagogue, built in the mid-19th century. Damaged during World War II, it was restored in 1955 and reopened to the city.

Today, the Synagogue, still in use, includes a large and a small hall, both open to the public and visitable with a guided tour upon reservation. ➝ For more information, visitthe official website

©comunitaebraicabologna.it

• The entrances to the quarter

The Ghetto was closed by guarded gates, opened in the morning and sealed at sunset:

• Via de’ Giudei
• intersection of Via del Carro and Via Zamboni
• Via Oberdan, near the arch leading to Vicolo Mandria

The only entrance to the former Ghetto still recognizable today is the Voltone of Palazzo Manzoli‐Malvasia, connecting the church of San Donato (18th century) with the ancient 13th-century Palazzo Manzoli, later Malvasia.

• A fascinating district to explore

Beyond its historical value, the Jewish Ghetto is one of the most characteristic areas of Bologna:

• palaces of wealthy Jewish merchants and bankers
• artisan workshops still active
• an intimate and authentic atmosphere

• The Jewish Museum of Bologna

To delve deeper into the history of the Jewish community, don’t miss the Jewish Museum of Bologna, inaugurated on May 9, 1999, at Via Valdonica 1/5. The museum, housed in the 16th-century Palazzo Pannolini, a building owned by the Municipality of Bologna, preserves and showcases a unique heritage connected to the city and the entire Emilia‐Romagna region.

The Museum covers 500 m², divided into three sections: the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions on the ground floor, and a documentation center on the first floor.