Where masterpieces are born
Among the activities that made Sabbioneta an important cultural centre of the sixteenth century, the following stands out: Jewish printing house of Tobia Foà. Encouraged by the city's growth under Vespasiano Gonzaga and the strong demand for Hebrew books, the printing press transformed Sabbioneta into one of the main Jewish publishing centers on the peninsula. Tobia Foà was its promoter and financier, involving printers, proofreaders, and scholars from various Italian cities. Thanks to the collaboration between Jewish and Christian workers, high-quality editions were produced, appreciated throughout Europe.
Its presses produced over twenty works, including religious texts, biblical commentaries, and writings on rabbinic law, which were distributed throughout European Jewish communities. The editions were recognizable by their trademark, featuring a flowering palm, two rampant lions, and a Star of David, accompanied by the motto, "The just will flourish like the palm." Although active for less than a decade, the printing house left a profound mark on the history of publishing and contributed to the cultural prestige of Sabbioneta, whose memory is still preserved today in the current Via della Stamperia.
