San Francesco Del Deserto

A calm sanctuary in the Venetian lagoon, far away from the crowds of Venice.

Situated south of the island of Burano, San Francesco del Deserto is a small and peaceful island in the Venetian lagoon with an old monastery founded by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1220.

Not served by public transport, the island is only accessible by private transport. There is a boat service based just a few yards from the vaporetto stop on Burano operated by a Venetian chap called Massimiliano, which at time of writing costs 10 euros per person return.  

On arrival at the island’s dock, we followed the path bordered by cypresses and pines to the monastery where Massimiliano rang the bell. After a lengthy wait, a rather portly monk wearing a knitted bobble hat and sandals on his bare feet, eventually opened the door.

The monk, who spoke no English accompanied our small group, which comprised of just us and an elderly couple from Vienna, during our visit as we toured the peaceful cloisters, beautiful Friary buildings and immaculately kept gardens.

Throughout the tour, fragments of the earlier church floor can be seen through glass panels, as well as a life-size figure of St Francis in prayer in a narrow cell.

Del Deserto is home now to just a handful of Franciscan friars (Frati Minori, or Minor Friars) who offer free tours of their secluded island home. There is no charge for the tour but you can make a donation of a few euros if you wish to do so. Or maybe consider buying a little souvenir from the shop to support the monastery.

First inhabited by the Romans, del Deserto was originally called Isola delle due Vigne, but after St Francis stayed here in 1220, it was renamed Isola San Francesco.

Across the years, the island was both abandoned due to disease and the community also exiled in Napoleonic times when it was used for a military gunpowder store. When the Franciscans returned, the island was given its present name in reflection of its years in isolation.

An oasis of calm and tranquillity, del Deserto is ideal if you would like an afternoon away from the crowds in Venice. It is also possible by arrangement for anyone (both male and female) to stay here on a spiritual retreat.  

The two crossed arms symbol of the Franciscan Order. One arm belongs to Christ and the other in a sleeve is St Francis. Stigmata can be seen on both their hands.

Getting There

San Francesco del Deserto is open from 09.00-11.00 & 15.00-17.00. The monastery is closed on Mondays & on certain other days on occasion. Telephone: 041 528 6863 (or +39 041 528 6863 if calling from outside Italy)

Located near Burano, the island is not served by public transport and is only accessible by private boat or water taxi.  Massimiliano’s boat leaves at 14:30 from a small landing stage around 100 metres up from the main vaporetto stop on Burano. Telephone Massimiliano on: 347 9922959 (+39 347 9922959 if calling from outside Italy). You will be at the island for around an hour & a half, after which Massimiliano will take you back to Burano.

Neither Massimiliano, nor the monks speak English, so if you don’t speak Italian, you’ll need to find an Italian speaker to call for you, or ask your hotel reception to call if you are already in Italy. We were staying at Venissa on Mazzorbo Island when we visited & Matteo Bisol, the owner very kindly rang ahead for us.

Tours can also be arranged with various companies which advertise combined tours of the lagoon.