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 near Venice 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.

Another important tradition of this island is the wine. To discover the agricultural traditions we suggest you take a walk on the Venissa Estate, famous for its grape vineyard Dorona: a Venetian autochthonous grape recovered by Bisol family.

Inside the estate there are also nine gardens cultivated by local seniors, who supply the Osteria Contemporanea and the Venissa Restaurant. The latter has been awarded with a Michelin star.

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.

The estate can be visited free of charge. An excellent idea is to get off at the Mazzorbo stop and reach Burano by crossing the vineyard (5 minutes on foot).

Until a few years ago, every summer, between June and July, it also hosted a wonderful village festival at the parish of the Church of Santa Caterina, where you could taste typical dishes made with local meat, fish, and vegetables... all in an atmosphere of music, games, and raffles.

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.

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's 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.

For information on how to get to Mazzorbo you should visit the page "how to get to Burano". Infact the route to reach Mazzorbo from Venice, Murano, Treporti, Punta Sabbioni or Venice Lido is the same that you undertake to visit Burano.

Currently, there are no boat excursions to the island of Mazzorbo, as it can easily be reached on foot from the island of Burano. Therefore, you can book a boat excursion to Burano and reach Mazzorbo by crossing the bridge that connects the two islands.

Moreover, just a short walk from Mazzorbo, you can join a boat excursion to the island of San Francesco del Deserto, an oasis of peace and tranquility inhabited solely by friars.

Mazzorbo Accommodation

We hope to please suggesting some facilities such as hotels, inns and bed & breakfast in Mazzorbo in order to help you find accommodation or rooms in Mazzorbo or nearby.

Eating out in Mazzorbo

Any suggestions about where eating out can never do harm, too. We tried to make a selection of the best restaurants, pizzerias and wine bars typical of Mazzorbo

Where to buy local handicraft products around Mazzorbo

In the globalized market has become very difficult to buy local crafts in places that you go to visit. Let us, therefore, to suggest the reliable shops where you can buy the authentic pieces and not imported.