Mazzorbo

Mazzorbo is a nice island located right next to Burano, and linked to the majour island by a wooden bridge called by the locals "Ponte Longo" (long bridge). Considered by the most a natural prosecution of Burano, this small island is often neglected by the tourists, whose eyes are immediately captured by the bright colours of Burano, and the stature of the other islands of Torcello and San Francesco del Deserto.

But Mazzorbo is rich in history and beauty. It's main richness is for sure the agricolture: here on the island you can find hundreds of artichoke fields, as well as vineyards and fruit trees.

Even if on the island live just 350 persons, plus some tourists during the summer, its importance for the neighbour population is vital. On the island in fact is situated a modern sporting center, a playground for the kids and the local cemetery, all easily reachable from Burano and Torcello.

Every summer here is held also a country fayre, in the churchyard of Santa Caterina Monastery, where to taste delicious local dishes such as "Luganega e Costesine" (sausages and ribs), roasted Polenta, together with a glass of good local red wine. Music and games and lucky dip are successfully organized, for both locals and tourists.

A little bit of History...

Formerly called Maiurbium (from the latin Magna Urbs, Majour Town), the island of Mazzorbo had an important commercial function in the past. Founded as well at the moment of the Barbarian Invasions (640 A.C.), it took economical and social advantage from its proximity to Torcello, called at that time "Emporium Mega" (great emporium), main spot of the lagoon.

The importance of the island increased enormousely until the 10th century, when the headquarters of the Economical and Social power were transferred from Torcello to Venice Island.

Century by century the ancient glory of Mazzorbo kept fading away, but still remained a holiday location for the Venetian noble society.

Nowadays we proudly treasure the very few ruins of that golden age, such as the beautiful Santa Caterina Monastery, built in 1283 and still conserving the most ancient bell of the whole lagoon, which dates back to 1318.

Mazzorbetto

Even if with the name "Mazzorbetto" the locals intend a green garden located in Burano, next to the vaporetto stop, Mazzorbetto in reality is the name of another island, very beautiful but unknown, situated on the opposite side of the Mazzorbo Canal (the one that you will cross with the vaporetto coming from Venice to Burano). Here, together with fields and private houses, you will still find the gothic villa once property of Giacomo Casanova.

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