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.