"Island of San Michele" Top 5 Page for this destination Murano Off The Beaten Path Tip by rubbersoul75

Better known as Island of the dead, this island is one large cemetary. Located between Murano and Venice, most of the city boats that go to and from Murano stop at San Michele.

The Island is about the most peaceful, if not erie spot in the Venetian Lagoon.

The Church on the island was the first renaissance building in Venice. Originally a monastery, the monastery was closed as the Island was dedicated for burial of Venetians dead. This was ordered by Napoleon, probably a good idea as burial of bodies in the vicinity of Venice’s Churches was less than hygienic. With very shallow graves, and frequent flooding, well you get the picture. Many visitors had complained about the stench from these cemeteries.