You’ve probably never heard of Sant’Erasmo: located in the northernmost part of the lagoon, it is one of its largest but least known islands.

The island is about 4 km long, while the width ranges from 500 to 900 meters. It is completely flat and ideal to be explored on foot or, even better, by bicycle.

Venice’s vegetable garden

Thanks to its particular soil, which gives fruit and vegetables a unique flavor, the island of Sant’Erasmo boasts the title of “Venice’s vegetable garden”. The island’s vocation is in fact traditionally agricultural and the first evidence dates back to the Middle Ages.

Sant’Erasmo is famous for the cultivation of violet artichokes, of castraure (the tenderest and youngest artichoke buds), and of white grapes, used for the production of a good local prosecco. At the beginning of May there’s also a festival dedicated to the violet artichoke, a Slow Food presidium, while the Festa del Mosto – that celebrates the must from the harvesting – takes place in October.

In recent years, a group of restaurant owners has embarked on a project to sustainably relaunch agriculture on the island. Currently three and a half hectares are cultivated, with a focus on traditional products and flavors “from the past”.

What to see in Sant’Erasmo

Your visit in Sant’Erasmo will be mainly dedicated to nature and tradition; you will appreciate its relaxed atmosphere, anything but hectic. Nevertheless, there are some spots of historical interest that we suggest you check out, such as the Church consecrated to Christ the King on 27 October 1929 by the Patriarch La Fontaine. In Byzantine-Romanesque style, the church preserves a fresco of the school of Tintoretto, “The Martyrdom of Sant’Erasmo”.

Have a look also at the Torre Massimiliana, a circular structure that dates back to 1844 and that used to be a war fort to defend the Lido inlet. Cultural events, art and photography exhibitions often take place here.

From the Sant’Erasmo Chiesa vaporetto stop, the island of Lazzaretto Nuovo is also visible. In 1468, the island became a place of preventive isolation for ships arriving in the Serenissima, suspected of carrying the plague. It is called “new” to be distinguished from the “old” one, near the Lido.

How to get to Sant’Erasmo

To visit Sant’Erasmo starting from our hotel, we suggest you take advantage of the rental service we offer to our guests and carry a bike with you.

You can reach the Treporti stop in about an hour and, from here, take vaporetto number 13 which will take you to Sant’Erasmo in just 20 minutes of navigation. Bicycles can come with you to explore the island in the best possible way and in complete freedom.