Venice islands: San Michele
The Island of San Michele is just opposite the Fondamenta Nuove, halfway between Venice and Murano and is surrounded by cypresses and enclosed with high terracotta walls.
It is the island where any tour of the lagoon begins. But for many Venetians it is their last stop, as San Michele is the historic site of the city's cemetery.
Once in Venice the dead were buried in the churches' courtyards, so due to hygiene and space reasons in the XIX century San Michele and the islands nearby were assigned to be cemeteries.
The cemetery is very fascinating with its sculptured tombstones and chapels. While you’re there, you can pay your respects to Ezra Pound, Igor Stravinsky and the Renaissance church of San Michele in Isola.
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