It's the
widest and closest island to Venice, separated from it by the large and
deep Canale della Giudecca, which was once called Canale Vigano.
Its old name was "Spina Longa" (long spine) maybe because of its
fishbone shape.
The name Giudecca, for some, comes from Giudei (Jews) which used to
live here.
Other sources say the origin is the name "Zudega' (judged) because in
the 9th century the area was divided among the rebelling nobles.
The island is composed of 8 islets and has a long fondamenta stretching
along one side; the other side is rich of gardens and orchards.
The festivity of the Redentore takes place here annually on the third
Sunday of July and is celebrated with typical banquets on the
fondamenta to admire the fireworks.