Isola San Michele
Island
Isola San Michele
The cemetery island of Venice
The small offshore island of San Michele is situated in the east of Venice between the lagoon city and Murano. It was inhabited in the 13th century by Camaldolese monks who built a monastery with a church and a cloister. From 1835 onwards, San Michele has been used as a cemetery. The tightly packed graves give a good impression of the social structure of Venice. The composer Igor Stravinsky and the poet Ezra Pound number among the most famous luminaries buried here. Due to lack of space and the very high fees, most Venetians are buried nowadays on the mainland. Only famous or well off Venetians are still buried here.
In addition to the tombs, it is worth seeing the beautiful Renaissance church of San Michele. It was built in the 15th century by Mauro Coducci. The beautiful Gothic cloister of the monastery has also been preserved.
Accessibility
Ferry from Fondamenta Nuove
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