Just 10 minutes from St. Mark’s Square, there is a tiny island unlike any other in Venice:
San Lazzaro degli Armeni, home to an Armenian monastery with one of the most important collections of manuscripts in the world.
Here you will find: rare books, ancient languages, art, mummies, and a peaceful cloister surrounded by the lagoon.
This island is a hidden cultural jewel that most tourists never see.
✨ Why Visit San Lazzaro?
Unique guided tour inside a functioning monastery
More than 200,000 books and manuscripts
A real Egyptian mummy (yes — an actual mummy)
Botanical gardens with plants from all over the world
Silence and lagoon views
This is not a “museum visit”, it feels like entering another world.
📚 What to See
Inside the monastery, you will explore:
✔ Library and Manuscripts Hall
Ancient manuscripts, first printed Armenian books (1717), maps, and rare languages.
✔ Museum and Art Collections
Armenian artifacts, religious art, sculptures, and personal items from famous guests.
✔ The Egyptian Room A real mummy donated in the 1800s — one of Venice’s most unusual exhibits.
✔ Printing Room (Typografia Armena)
Where monks printed books in more than 30 languages, centuries ago.
✔ Cloister and Gardens
Silence, cypresses, lagoon breeze.
🕒 Guided Tour (Required)
You cannot visit the island freely — entry is only with a guided tour by the monks.
Tours usually take 1 hour and are available in:
English
Italian
Armenian
Arrive 15 minutes before the tour starts.
🚤 How to Get to San Lazzaro degli Armeni
The island is easily reachable by vaporetto.
Vaporetto (waterbus):
➡️ Line 20
✅ Departure: San Marco – San Zaccaria
✅ Stop: San Lazzaro degli Armeni (first stop)
Travel time: 10 minutes
👉 See also 🚤 Vaporetto Venice — Complete Guide to Tickets, Lines & How to Use It
🎟 Tickets + Opening Hours
Tickets are purchased on the island, inside the monastery.
No booking required for individuals (only for large groups).
Typical schedule:
Daily guided tour at 15:25
(check at the monastery entrance or ACTV website for seasonal variations)
Cash or card accepted.
🌿 Insider Tips
Combine San Lazzaro with San Servolo (same vaporetto line).
Perfect activity for rainy days or when Venice is crowded.
Best light for photos is in the afternoon → sunset on the lagoon.
Time needed: approx. 1.5 hours (including the boat ride)
❓ FAQ — San Lazzaro degli Armeni
Yes, the monastery can only be visited with the official guided tour.
Yes, except in certain restricted rooms (follow the guide’s instructions).
Yes, but keep in mind it is a silent environment.
Yes, just show up at tour time.
No, the monastery occupies the whole island.
🧭 Continue Your Journey
👉 Explore other islands nearby, see also 🌊 Venetian Islands – Discover the Lagoon Beyond Venice