Islands

02 chapter

I s l a n d s

The Venetian lagoon is tangible evidence of the strong bold, and mutual respect between water, nature, and human. The numerous islands create a striking patchwork within the Adriatic Sea, where the centuries have left indelible traces and heritage. Some of them withstood time and transitions, while others have been lost, but each has contributed to making Venice and the Serenissima what we know today. And while many always head to the very well-known Murano-the glass island, Burano- the lace island, and Torcello- one of the first inhabited islands, we offer you an alternative under-the-radar and authentic islands to venture further than the obvious.

Sant'Erasmo

Located just 30 min away from the historic heart of Venice and immersed in the quiet of the lagoon, the Island of Sant'Erasmo reveals the rural identity of Venice. Since ancient times the island had an agricultural vocation gaining the Garden of the Serenissima appellation, supplying fresh fruits and vegetables to the Venice habitants. A peaceful corner of the countryside, the island of Sant'Erasmo is renowned for its delicious violet artichokes and highquality mono-flora Barena honey. The wine-growing activity has also been thriving on the island for centuries also has shaped its rural identity. Away from the Venice hustle and bustle, the island contrasts the chaos of the traveler's flows, offering a more slow-paced experience through the cultivated fields and the suggestive lagoon landscape.

San Francesco del Deserto

A verdant and serene oasis, the island of San Francesco del Deserto is a unique corner in the Venetian Lagoon rich in history and spirituality. According to the legend, St. Francis returning from a missionary journey to the East found a shelter on the island. And it continues that the holy founder of the Franciscan Order has asked the birds for silence to have peacefulness and concentration on his prayers. And the miracle happened as all the animals felt silent. Today, the island is home to one of the last hermitages in the area, offering a second-to-none perspective of the ordinary masses that often crowd Venice.

San Lazzaro degli Armeni

A fascinating island rich in history, art, culture, architecture, and legends is the quiet and tiny island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni. Just a stone's throw from the lively heart of Venice, the island withstood historical turmoil. Once a lazar-house of lepper communities, later the Serenissima Senate passed it to the Armenian Fathers, who settled here establishing the first Armenian cultural center in the world. Today, the library is an impressive example of cultural heritage housing thousands of volumes and manuscripts of inestimable values.