A stones throw from Vignole is the Request Stop of Lazzaretto (Nazareth) Nuovo, which is between Vignole, and Sant' Erasmo.
This is one of the lagoons uninhabited islands (though it may be that archeologists working on excavations may stay sometimes) In 1576, the island was home to over 10,000 victims of the Plague that was spreading through Venice.
In the 1400's the island became a quarantine station, for ships crews that had set sail from plague ridden lands, a way of preventing it been carried to Venice. Bunches of Rosemary and Juniper were used to fumigate the cargo ships - makes you wonder how the 1576 plague ever started doesn't it ? !!!
Lazzaretto Vecchie, was the first quarantine island. For more info about the plague and Lazzaretto Vecchie and Nuovo
Later, during Austrian and Napoleonic occupation, it was used by the military as a place to store gun-powder!
It is owned at present by volunteers
Excavations on the island have uncovered artefacts dating back to the Roman era.
There is also evidence that a religious complex existed here, known then as Vigna Murada. One or two stones remain from the medieval church.
In 1977, the island was restored by the Ekos voluntary club, in collaboration with the Archeoclub of Italy (+39 041 2444011)
They organize annual summer camps for young people who are interested in the recovery of the lagoon islands and the archaeological excavations.
If you plan your trip for a Saturday or Sunday between April and October, at 09.45 and 16.00hrs, there are Guided Visits. with exhibits and ruins to wander around. A 1km walk around the perimeter gives you chance to see the lagoon and some of its wild-life.
No charge, but donation expected
Some information about the tour and things to see
So, it's possible to leave Venice for Lazzaretto Nuovo at 09.00 in time to catch the first tour, then continue onto Sant' Erasmo to spend time on the beach/ walking or cycling, then head to Vignole for a lesurely lunch at Alle Vignole, before heading to Murano for a wander around, before heading back to Venice!
Photos coming soon-
Written Aug 1, 2010
Address: Lazzaretto Nuovo, Northern Lagoon, Venice
Phone: (+39 041 2444011)
Sant'Erasmo is the largest Island in the lagoon, even larger than Venice itself. I stayed here in June 2006, at Il Lato Azzurro and enjoyed the peacefulness and contrast to Venice.
It is about 5- 10 minutes away from Vignole.
Cycles can be hired from near the Capannone vaporetto stop (There are 3 Vaporetto stations on Sant' Erasmo), or you can easily walk around the lanes and roads. If you want a more relaxing time-there is a marina and a small sandy beach, about 20 minutes walk from this vaporetto stop. There's also a Pizzeria near the beach.
For more info and photo's -You can see My Sant' Erasmo pages
Pictures coming soon.....
Updated Aug 1, 2010
Address: Sant'Erasmo, Northern Lagoon, Venice
This small whitewashed chapel, with its bell tower was closed during my visit (Chrismas Day).
Apparently it is built on the site of a 7th Century Church. As you can see from picture 2, the white plaster work covers a red brick structure. (It is starting to wear away, at the base of the walls.
According to Wikipaedia Two tribunes from the island of Torcello in the Southern lagoon, built a church dedicated to St John the Baptist and Saint Christine in the 7th Century.
This chapel is now dedicated to Saint Maria Assumption and Saint Eurosia.
A plaque on the chapel wall (pic 3) gave a telephone number for visits, as well as S. Messa Festiva-09.20 hours
Being neither Italian nor Catholic-I'm guessing that this is the time for mass/services on Feast Days??
I'm sure someone will correct me about this!
Updated Aug 1, 2010
Address: Vignole, Northern lagoon, Venice
Phone: 0415229418
This canal divides the island of Vignole.
Although it is only a short walk-(the path ends just past the small chapel, with a sign stating private road) it is a pleasant place to wander and take photographs. The island is home to many varieties of birds, especially water fowl, who wade around the marshlands and this canal. I spotted a gull by the canalside (pic 3). You might even hear or see peacocks! as there are a few scattered around Vignole. There are also many varieties of butterfly.
The sound of dogs barking from the farm steads scattered around the Island, is a common sound - and a deterrent not to wander onto 'private property'!
There were some colourful barges and small boats moored at the canalside. Traditionally, barges were used to transport the freshly harvested vegetables and fruit to the Rialto Market.
As you can see from my photos, it was a sunny (but cold) day, ideal for taking a stroll.
Updated Aug 1, 2010
Address: Vignole, North Lagoon, Venice
Vignole doesn't have any shops to buy drinks from, and unless you're planning on dining at Trattoria Alle Vignole, this is an option-The Drinking water fountain.
I just had a small mouthful to try (A bit fusty tasting!)- It was a cold day (There aren't any public toilets in Vignole - and it's 15 minutes to Murano for the nearest conveniences -I don't recall seeing any toilets on Sant' Erasmo apart from the B&B where I stayed, or the pizzeria - which is about a 20 minute walk from the vaporetto stop.
Written Aug 1, 2010
Address: Vignole, Northern Lagoon, Venice
I'm afraid that I haven't eaten here (yet) , but am hoping to do so soon, as I've read some good reports about the food and atmosphere.
A family run business, where typical Venetian dishes, are prepared by the Vianello family, who have run the business for over 100 years. It started as an Inn, serving ombre (the small glasses of wine) and sausages. There are over 30 dishes to chose from today.
Menus are seasonal, with locally grown produce. Naturally fish and seafood from the lagoon and Adriatic are a feature, along with grilled meats, home made pasta, and pizzas cooked in a wood oven
Tables on the terrace offer views across to Venice, and the chance to witness some stunning sunsets
Open from early April to September 30th only. 10.00 - 22.00hrs
Closed Mondays
Advisable to book in advance, as it is very popular.
Favorite Dish: Will hopefully be able to let you know in a few weeks time!
Updated Aug 1, 2010
Address: 12, Isola Le Vignole, 30141 Venice
Phone: 0039 041 5289707fax: 0039 041 52
Website: http://www.trattoriaallevignole.com/
The Number 13 service from Fondamente Nuove (at the right side of the bridge, when facing the water) takes you on the 20 minute journey across the lagoon to Vignole. This is an hourly service.
Motoscafo, are the smaller/slimmer and therefore quicker, vaporetti water buses.
It stops at Murano (Faro), before heading to Vignole, Lazzareto Nuova (request stop) then Sant'Erasmo, where it stops at 3 stations, before turning round, or it might continue to Treporti.
The night service (Notturno Laguna Nord) leaves the Fondamente Nuove to the LEFT of the bridge.
Updated Aug 1, 2010
Phone: (+39)0412424; info point
Website: http://www.actv.it/en
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