ITALIAN SYNAGOGUE

Built in 1575, last in order of time of the Synagogues constructed under the Venetian Republic, it is clearly recognizable from the outside by the five big arched windows similar to those in the Scola Grande Tedesca, and the small baroque dome over the apse. On the wall there is a crest with the inscription: «Holy Italian Community in the year 1575 », and a small inscribed tablet «in memory of the destruction of the Temple ». 

Inside the small entrance hall of the ground floor one can read an 18th century style warning: « Humble in attitude and with sure faith May all devout worshippers lay here their prayers and even when their foot is turned elsewhere May their thoughts be always turned to God ». 

The Scola Italiana, with its slightly elongated rectangular shape, is given noble yet severe appearance by the simple austerity of its pews, its fine Holy Ark decorated with elegant wood ornaments and culminating in a heavy pinnacle, and its 18th century pulpit projecting from a polygonal apse.

Elegant banisters with a crossed arch motif, typical of 18th century Venetian furniture decorate the pulpit stairs; while the lowered lattices of the small women’s gallery remind one of those in the Scola Canton. 

The Scola was recently brought back to life thanks to Save Venice contribution as part of the conservative restoration of the Jewish Museum complex in Venice.