The islands

If you are one of those who enjoy the ancient atmosphere and silence you should make a tour of the islands in the lagoon. It is another way for visiting Venice. Small pearls in the middle of the lagoon some of which are difficult to reach or which access to is forbidden.
The better known are:
Torcello, with its cathedral which, founded in 639 A. D. is the oldest building in the lagoon.
Burano, the island of lace with its vividly coloured houses.
Murano, the centre for glass working.
San Michele, where famous writers and artists like Ezra Pound and Igor Stravinsky are buried beside the Venetians.
Giudecca, with its splendid church of the Redeemer erected by Palladio.
San Servolo, a training centre for artisans and restorers.
San Lazzaro degli Armeni, with its Armenian monastery where Byron studied.
Il Lido, where the International Cinema festival is held every year.
San Francesco del Deserto, a small oasis of greenery inhabited by a few monks.
Santa Maria della Grazia, San Clemente, Pellestrina...