San Lazzaro degli Armeni
A monastery island run by the Armenian Mekhitarist order, holding precious manuscripts and rare books. Byron once studied Armenian here.
San Lazzaro degli Armeni lies in the lagoon west of the Lido. In 1717, the Venetian Republic gave this small island to the Armenian Mekhitarist order, and for the next three centuries it was a major centre of Armenian culture and publishing. Monk-led tours visit the cloister garden, the church, the library holding thousands of ancient Armenian manuscripts, an Egyptian mummy, and the room where Byron studied Armenian in 1816. The island can only be visited on a guided tour, usually one session each afternoon, starting around 15:25. Admission is about €10; check the official website for details. Take Vaporetto Line 20 from San Zaccaria, about 15 minutes to the island. Be sure to check the boat timetable in advance.
Opening hours
One guided tour daily in the afternoon (approx. 15:25; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Lido di Venezia
- Giardini della Biennale
- San Giorgio Maggiore
- Venetian Arsenal
- Bridge of Sighs
- Doge's Palace
- St. Mark's Square & Basilica
- St Mark's Campanile