Monastery of San Lazzaro degli Armeni, Armenian Catholic monastery on San Lazzaro island, Venice, Italy
The Monastery of San Lazzaro degli Armeni occupies its own island in the Venetian Lagoon and contains prayer spaces, residences, schools, and gardens. The buildings cluster around courtyards that shape the daily rhythm of the Armenian monastic community.
The island began as a leper refuge in medieval times and was granted to Armenian monks in 1717 to establish their monastery. The site gradually became a hub of Armenian learning and cultural preservation in the region.
The monastery serves as a center for Armenian identity, where the language, faith, and crafts of the community remain actively practiced today. The resident monks function as scholars and artisans, keeping Armenian knowledge alive for future generations.
Visitors reach the monastery most easily by water bus from the San Zaccaria stop near Saint Mark's Square. It helps to check opening hours in advance, as visits depend on the monks' daily schedule and commitments.
The monastery houses an extensive collection of Armenian manuscripts and a library holding thousands of books in various languages. This collection makes the site an important center for researching Armenian history and literature.
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