Sant’Erasmo

Sant’Erasmo beside Venice is the biggest island of the lagoon
The island was a port attached to Murano in the 8th century, but is now known for market gardening (very famous for it’s artichokes the “castraure”). Fortifications, including the 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.
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.
Here there’s the “Bacàn” beach where you can swim in the Lagoon of Venice. You can also end your excursion in Sant’Erasmo and rent a bicicle to make a tour in the island through the farms.