San Michele in Isola

San Michele in Isola is a Renaissance church located on a cemetery island in the Venetian lagoon. The building displays a white Istrian stone facade with classical columns and connects to the burial grounds through a 15th-century cloister.

The church was built in 1469 following a fire that destroyed the earlier building, prompting the city to commission a new religious structure. Its construction marked the beginning of Renaissance architecture in Venice and influenced many later buildings in the region.

The cemetery became the final resting place for prominent Venetian families who sought burial here across generations. Walking through the grounds, you can see how deeply the island shaped the city's social memory and family identity.

The island is only accessible by boat, so you will need to take a gondola or vaporetto from central Venice or nearby Murano. The cemetery is open to visitors, and visiting during quiet morning or afternoon hours makes for a more peaceful experience.

The Cappella Emiliana, a hexagonal chapel from 1530, projects as a distinct structure from the main facade with its own dome. Its curved form and refined architectural details make it a subtle work that many visitors overlook.

Location: Venice

Inception: 15 century

Architects: Mauro Codussi

Architectural style: Renaissance architecture

Made from material: stone

GPS coordinates: 45.44870,12.34690

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:09