San Francesco Venice: discover it from Burano

Island of San Francesco Venice: the history

This island off venice – San Franceso – is a 4-hectare island-monastery, located between Sant’Erasmo and Burano and houses an exclusive monastery. This island was already known in the Roman era as the island of the two vineyards.

During the Austrian rule of Venice the island, San Francesco was abandoned and used as a powder depot.. 1220, returning from the East, the island was visited by St. Francis of Assisi, who wanted to create a place for reflection and meditation, a function to which the convent of St. Francis is still dedicated today. In 1858 it was donated to the diocese of Venice, who allowed the friars to found a convent here
In 1233 the then owner, the Venetian Jacopo Michiel, also gave the island formally to the Franciscan friars. Today the island of San Francesco continues to host a minor order of the Franciscan friars.

A special spritual visit

Unique among all the islands of Venice, San Francesco del Deserto is a place of meditation. It is not equipped with services for visitors (you will not find bars or restaurants) and any accommodation is reserved for those who go there for spiritual reasons. However, the friars will take you on a guided tour of the island in Italian, every day except Monday, at 15.00. It is therefore possible to visit the island, the convent and its gardens, surrounded by large cypress trees and green areas, and listen to the story of the friars. The church has two beautiful cloisters, one from the thirteenth century and the other from the Renaissance.

The visit of the island lasts an hour and is ideal for those who want to get away from the masses that often crowd Venice and its islands for a pleasant afternoon. There is also a fantastic view out over the venetian lagoon from here! This article, The Eden of the Lagoon, really makes the idea of ​​beauty and peace that you can feel in this place …
There is no fee for the visit, but it is possible to make a contribution to support the order of the friars.

How to get to the island of San Francesco del Deserto

To reach San Francesco del Deserto there is a daily excursion from April 1st to October 31st departing from Burano at 2.30pm. Those coming from Venice can use the line 12 from Fondamenta Nuove to reach Burano. From here check the ACTV navigation times.
The visit lasts about an hour and the return from S. Francesco is at 15.50.
It is possible to book the places for the excursion online here. Public trasnposrtation is not available. We recommend that you do this because the places are limited and quickly get booked up, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.
For large groups it is necessary to provide a transport by private means, or a private boat for groups, which can stop at the island of San Francesco. It is possible to request this service through our contact form!

San Francesco del deserto island – Daily departures from Burano

If you’d like to ​​visit San Francesco del Deserto book your place now!

Daily transport from Burano to San Francesco del Deserto runs from April 1st to late October. During the rest of the year, it is possible to request a private service for groups of min. 6 people. For more information contact us!
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Curious to discover other lagoon islands off venice? Other islands in the northern lagoon include murano burano and torcello.Here you can find lots of ideas for day trips which you can book through our site.

Islands of Venice: tours and excursions to visit the other Venetian islands murano burano and torcello.
Murano Venezia: see murano glass being made in the glass factories and the glass museum. Learn all you need to know about the famous Glass Island!
Burano Venice: unique in the world, discover the island of coloured houses and the lace museum.
Lido di Venezia: between beaches and Liberty villas, on the border between the sea and the lagoon
Pellestrina Island: seaside villages and natural oases to discover
La Giudecca: creative and authentically Venetian, discover its hidden pearls