Sant'Erasmo

Sant'Erasmo

File:Isola di Sant'Erasmo (Venezia) - Torre Massimiliana.jpg The Fort of Maximillian
Location in the Venetian Lagoon
Geography
Coordinates
Adjacent bodies of water	Venetian Lagoon
Country
Italy
Region	Veneto
Province	Province of Venice

Sant'Erasmo is an island in the Venetian Lagoon lying north of the Lido and north east of Venice, Italy.

History

The island was a port attached to Murano in the 8th century, but is now known for market gardening. Ruined fortifications, including the so-called Torre Massimiliana (Tower of Maximilian), ring the isle. Forts existed in the island as early as the 16th century. After the fall of the Republic of Venice, the French built here a stronghold in 1811-1814. After Napoleon's defeat, the Austrian Archduke Maximilian of Austria-Este had a tower built here in 1843-1844, and also found here refuge during a revolt. The tower has a polygonal base of 25 m and is surrounded by a ditch. On the upper floor up to 13 cannons could be housed. It was used by the Italian Army as late as World War I.

Today

An annual boat race takes place during the summer. Sant'Erasmo is also known for the waders on sand banks in the lagoon surrounding it.

Gallery

• Venise église de San Erasmo.JPG

  Church

• Isola di Sant'Erasmo - Torre Massimiliana.JPG

  Fort

• Sant'Erasmo (island) Via delle Motte 45.458036, 12.407726.jpg

  Brown and narrow canals of the island

• Sant'Erasmo (island) Via delle Motte 45.455718, 12.402925.jpg

  Artichoke plantations.

• Sant'Erasmo (island) South end of the island.jpg

  Beach, south of the island of Sant'Erasmo.