Banco Rosso (Red Bank), Venice
In medieval Europe, Jewish individuals faced limited options for livelihood due to societal restrictions. They were often confined to specific trades, such as dealing in used cloth, practicing medicine (doctors were the only people allowed out of the Ghetto at night), and engaging in money lending. The latter role became significant as Christians were forbidden by the Church to lend money at interest, creating a void that Jewish communities filled by offering cash loans.
Venice, in particular, had three banks distinguished by color: red, green, and black. These establishments were a combination of banks and pawnshops, where individuals could pledge an item in exchange for a loan. It is believed that these banks were among the earliest pawnshops in the world and operated until the end of the Venetian Republic in 1797. The intriguing nature of their commercial activities is even captured in William Shakespeare's renowned play, "The Merchant of Venice".
Today, visitors have the opportunity to explore one of these historic banks, known as the Red Bank ("Banco Roso"), which has been restored and is open for public viewing. The name "Red Bank" stems from the red receipt given to customers when they pawned an item. Interestingly, some speculate that the term "in the red", referring to financial indebtedness, may have originated from the practices of these ancient Venetian pawnbrokers.
Venice, in particular, had three banks distinguished by color: red, green, and black. These establishments were a combination of banks and pawnshops, where individuals could pledge an item in exchange for a loan. It is believed that these banks were among the earliest pawnshops in the world and operated until the end of the Venetian Republic in 1797. The intriguing nature of their commercial activities is even captured in William Shakespeare's renowned play, "The Merchant of Venice".
Today, visitors have the opportunity to explore one of these historic banks, known as the Red Bank ("Banco Roso"), which has been restored and is open for public viewing. The name "Red Bank" stems from the red receipt given to customers when they pawned an item. Interestingly, some speculate that the term "in the red", referring to financial indebtedness, may have originated from the practices of these ancient Venetian pawnbrokers.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Venice. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Banco Rosso (Red Bank) on Map
Sight Name: Banco Rosso (Red Bank)
Sight Location: Venice, Italy (See walking tours in Venice)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Venice, Italy (See walking tours in Venice)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Venice, Italy
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Venice is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
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Those... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
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Start your exploration with a tour of the pink-and-white marble Palazzo Ducale, which takes you... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Start your exploration with a tour of the pink-and-white marble Palazzo Ducale, which takes you... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Titian's Paintings Walk
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Equally adept with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Equally adept with... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Murano Island Walking Tour
Murano is often called the Glass Island, since it is home to the most impressive and renowned Venetian glass factories. The master craftsmen here have preserved their centuries-old techniques, and the island is full of shops where you can admire and purchase their adorable glass items. Some factories, such as Gino Mazzuccato’s, at the start of this self-guided walk, even have special showrooms... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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