The word “Ghetto” or “Getto” derives from the fact that this area used to be the city’s public foundries. It was enclosed, with only one gate and small bridge leading to a second area where foundry waste was stored: Ghetto Vecchio and Ghetto Nuovo.

Beginning in the early 1500s. the foundries were closed and the area was designated for the homes of the Jews. Venice was the first city to separate the Jews from the rest of the Christian population, and so, the term Ghetto has become used to identify similar areas in other cities. To ensure the Jewish residents did not leave their quarter, the gates were closed every evening until morning, and armed guards were posted to prevent any illicit entries or exits during the night.