Venice

San Michele Cemetery Island

San Michele Cemetery Island

A serene burial site in the Venetian Lagoon, known for its distinctive architecture and as the resting place of notable figures like Stravinsky and Pound.
San Michele Cemetery Island, situated in the Venetian Lagoon, serves as the principal burial ground for Venice. Established in 1807 during Napoleonic rule, the island was transformed into a cemetery to address health concerns associated with burials within the city. The island is notable for its serene atmosphere and distinctive architecture, including the Church of San Michele in Isola, designed by Renaissance architect Mauro Codussi. The cemetery is divided into sections for different religious and cultural communities, reflecting Venice's diverse heritage. It is the final resting place of several prominent figures, such as composer Igor Stravinsky and poet Ezra Pound, making it a place of historical and cultural significance.