Like many Italian cities, Padova had a thriving Jewish community. It was established in the heart of the historic centre of the city near Piazza delle Erbe.
Toward the middle of the 14th century numbers of Jewish people from Rome, Pisa, Bologna and Ancona established themselves as money lenders. The statutes of the community were liberal and the population tolerant. A synagogue was built and a cemetery laid out.
Things changed in later centuries and a ghetto was established in 1602. It continued until 1797 when the people were liberated by the French military.
Now the area has been transformed into a beautiful shopping and restaurant district. Come for a walk…
I found a home decorating shop where I was sorely tempted to buy dozens of things for Casa Debbio.
The assistant was delightful and allowed me to photograph some of the beautiful collection to share with you.
Padova is a great place to visit. The city centre is a maze of narrow streets just waiting to be explored.
You find the best places!
By: aFrankAngle on December 18, 2015
at 9:56 pm
I try.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 18, 2015
at 10:11 pm
another lovely town. The decorator store is beautiful
By: Lyn on December 18, 2015
at 10:19 pm
Padova is a great place to visit. I will be back!
By: Debra Kolkka on December 20, 2015
at 12:18 pm
I loved visiting the Jewish ghetto in Rome. So interesting to see the different ones around Italy.
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on December 18, 2015
at 11:39 pm
This area in Padova is lovely, I’m pleased I found it.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 20, 2015
at 12:18 pm
I love it when you say “come for a walk” – if I were a child you would be my favourite-est Aunt! Also, I would have egged you on in that beautiful shop.
By: Jan on December 19, 2015
at 12:10 am
I enjoy my walks.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 20, 2015
at 12:19 pm
Very interesting spot. The only Jewish quarter I have visited in Italy, was in Venice about 35 years ago, than a very small and quiet kind of hidden neighbor hood.
By: corneliaweberphotography on December 19, 2015
at 1:23 am
I have been to the one in Venice. I found it quite sad. You can still see the places where people were shut in.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 20, 2015
at 12:20 pm
That is very true
By: corneliaweberphotography on December 21, 2015
at 2:02 am
It’s on my Italy ‘wish to see list’. Thinking of you and v. Good wishes for the Xmas season. Happy 2016.
By: Helen M on December 19, 2015
at 5:53 am
Padova is well worth a visit. I really liked the city.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 20, 2015
at 12:20 pm
We are planning to go to Padova next year. It has been a long time since our last visit. We will follow your advice. Thank you, Debra.
By: Mulino Dominillo on December 19, 2015
at 6:36 am
I’m sure you will love Padova as much as I did.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 20, 2015
at 12:21 pm
I stayed in Padova rather than in Venice. I liked it a lot and the train connection is so easy.
By: Andrew Petcher on December 19, 2015
at 9:32 am
It could be a good idea to stay in Padova and do day trips to Venice. It is very close.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 20, 2015
at 12:22 pm
Buon Natale a tutti!
By: Yvonne on December 19, 2015
at 5:46 pm
Grazie! Lucky you, being in Venice.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 20, 2015
at 12:23 pm
That’s for sure! It’s mighty hot back in Victoria, where I now live, I see. 🙁
By: Yvonne on December 20, 2015
at 12:48 pm
lol Debra, in the midst of writing my Padova Christmas piece for my own blog I just saw this entry of your. Beautiful – made me very nostalgic – love this area too and also the interior deco shop – lovely staff, as you said. There has never been a visit of ours to Italy without first stopping over in Padova – we love this place and as Andrew P said, Venice is just 30 mins away by train. Have a wonderful and peaceful Christmas. Carina L)
By: anyone4curryandotherthings on December 21, 2015
at 5:35 am
I have another post to do on Padova, probably and overview. I think it is one of the most underrated cities in Italy. I will return.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 21, 2015
at 8:47 am
Lovely as always Debra and the shop is wonderful! I love the lime green blanket in the window.
By: thirdeyemom on December 21, 2015
at 6:29 pm
I loved it too…I bought it.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 21, 2015
at 10:13 pm
Lucky you! I would go crazy if I lived in Europe as I find the products so much better than the US. I love these kinds of special boutique places. Australia has a lot of great stuff too but I haven’t been in years. Happy Holidays!
By: thirdeyemom on December 24, 2015
at 1:32 am
Happy Christmas time ,Debra!🎁🎄🎅🏾❤
By: mikyriccia on December 21, 2015
at 10:12 pm
Happy Christmas to you too. It is hot and steamy here…I wish I was in Italy right now.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 21, 2015
at 10:15 pm
Thank you😍❤️ it’s hot here too to be Christmas but it’s fine to stroll in the streets with this weather😉 where will you spend it?
By: mikyriccia on December 21, 2015
at 10:19 pm
I am in Brisbane and we will be at home on Christmas Day.
By: Debra Kolkka on December 21, 2015
at 10:24 pm
Enjoy Brisbane! just met yesterday in Florence some friends from there 🙃🙃😀
By: mikyriccia on December 21, 2015
at 10:50 pm