The first ever Jewish Ghetto in the world was established in Venice over 500 years ago, in the Cannaregio area of Venice. Although conditions were far from ideal, they were considered much safer in the Ghetto than anywhere else in Europe. Before moving there, however, most Jews in Venice would have been found on the island of the Giudecca, the stretch of land opposite the Zattere, which clearly owes its name to them. Originally the Giudecca was called Spinalonga, resembling as it does a long fish spine protruding from the water. Although it seems only a stone-through away from the rest of the city, until the first half of the 20th century public travel to and from the Giudecca was not that regular, and people living there would likely have described themselves as Giudecchini first, and Venetian second, proudly preserving their farm-like lifestyle and slightly unique accent, which has sadly been lost today.
