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The Virtual Jewish History TourPitigliano
By Rebecca WeinerLocated north of Rome, in Tuscany, Pitigliano is known for its Etruscan cave-tombs and fine wine. Noted tourist sites include the 16th century aqueduct and the narrow streets of the old Jewish ghetto. Jewish HistoryJews settled in Pitigliano in the 15th century. The Jewish population continued to grow as Jews sought refuge there when they were forced out of the Papal State. Protected by the Medici family, the Jewish community flourished and the city became known as "Little Jerusalem" (La Piccola Gerusalemme).
When Pitigliano became part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in 1608, Jewish prosperity and freedom were threatened. Discussions took place on whether the Jews would have to move to the ghettos in Florence or Siena, but, instead, a ghetto was built in Pitigliano.
Despite the restrictions, the Jewish community continued to flourish and prosper. In 1773, Pitigliano had a Jewish population of 200. Jews were involved in all sorts of trades and owned shops selling crafts, cloth and spices. Napoleon’s conquest of Italy in 1799 dramatically changed the situation of the Jews of Pitigliano. Jews felt the repercussions of the Viva Maria riots in Arezzo, when houses in the ghetto were ransacked and fourteen members of the community were arrested.
In 1859, the 423 Jews of Pitigliano were emancipated and were granted equal rights. This marked the beginning of the decline of the Jewish population of Pitigliano. Many Jews decided to leave Pitigliano and move to larger cities in Tuscany, while others converted to Christianity. In 1865, a huge library was built, which housed more than 600 books written in Hebrew. By 1931, the Jewish population had declined to 70. A massive anti-Semitic campaign began in 1936. Racial laws were instituted in 1938. More Jews left Pitigliano and immigrated, while others were deported. During the Holocaust, efforts were made to hide the Jews and thwart Nazi effort to kill them. All of the Jews of Pitigliano survived the war.
SitesSynagogue
Cemetery The cemetery was used for the first time in the 16th century, when David de’ Pomis, a doctor, buried his wife there. It is located on the outskirts of the town, on the road to Marciano. Sources: Photos courtesy of Eytan Kahn from Pitigliano. Florence - Venice - Rome - Siena - Pisa - Livorno - Merano - Emilia-Romagna |
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The
Similar
to other Jews in Tuscany, Jews were forced to wear a specific items
of clothing that marked them as a Jew, a red hat for men and a red
badge worn on the shirt sleeves for women. Jews, occasionally, had to
pay special taxes for various projects, such as the building of a
guard house and a fountain.
Soon
after this incident, life returned to normal for the Jews of
Pitigliano. In 1825, Jews owned 94 houses, 20 warehouses, 11 shops
and 10 stables in the town. In 1833, a school and a charity
organization were started. Friction arose between the Jewish and
Christian communities over the issue of forced conversions of Jewish
children. Despite the friction, the Jewish population grew and
reached 359 by 1841. At this time, the Jewish community had one
rabbi, two vice rabbis and several teachers.
Today,
only three members of the Jewish community are left; nevertheless,
the Jewish cultural heritage has been preserved. The synagogue was
restored and cultural events take place there; a 
The
synagogue was built in 1598 and restored numerous times. It collapsed
in 1970 and was restored again in 1995. It is located in the area of
the former ghetto.