San Lazzaro degli Armeni
Churches & Cathedrals
Sights & Landmarks
Attraction
About
San Lazzaro degli Armeni is a historic island monastery in the Venetian Lagoon that serves as a living museum of Armenian culture, literature, and art. Home to the Mekhitarist Order since 1717, it houses the world’s third‑largest collection of Armenian manuscripts, several museums – the Oriental, Armenian and Library – and a renowned printing house that has produced key Armenian publications for centuries. Visitors enjoy guided tours in multiple languages (reservations required) that showcase the monastery’s medieval church, scenic gardens, bronze statues, and storied archives. Packed with 40,000+ annual visitors, the island offers a quiet retreat where history, faith, and heritage intertwine in a uniquely intimate Venetian setting.
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes