The forgotten Jewish ghetto of Old Nice

The Princes of Savoy, needing an efficient port and active trade, protected the Jews of Nice to secure their network throughout the Mediterranean basin. However, in the 15th century, the Duke of Savoy forced them to reside in the ghetto on Rue Benoit Bunico, between Rue Rossetti and Rue de la Loge.

Later, Charles Emmanuel I abolished their distinctive symbol (yellow hat) and established freedom of trade and settlement in Nice, as well as freedom of worship. The community numbered around 300 people and built a synagogue at 18 rue Benoit Bunico.

In 1750 the gates of the ghetto were removed. The final integration with the population of Nice took place in 1848 with the constitution known as the Statuto Albertino (King Charles Albert) which abolished all legal restrictions on the Jews of the kingdom; the street of the ghetto became rue Benoit Bunico (a deputy from Nice who campaigned for equal rights for Jews).

The history of the community is intertwined with the shared history and the spontaneous protection offered by the people of Nice to Jews persecuted during World War II.