The little-known island of Mazzorbo is only
a 40-minute vaporetto ride from Venice yet it feels like a world away. Few
tourists disembark on the island heading instead to its more famous neighbours
Burano or Torcello.
Once a large trading centre in the Venetian
Lagoon, Mazzorbo lost its importance in the 10th century when trading
activities were moved to Torcello. It became a holiday location for the
Venetian nobles and nowadays is known for its beautiful vineyards, artichoke
fields and fruit orchards supplying the city with fresh produce. The island is
car-free and you can cycle or walk along stretches of neat cultivated land and
few scattered houses in peace. Winston Churchill loved coming here with his
easel to paint in silence.
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| Mazzorbo |
Mazzorbo’s main attraction is the 8th
century the Church of Santa Caterina restructured a few times but still
retaining some original features and an ancient air about it. Sit here in
silence and admire its 16th century marble floor worn with age,
beautiful fading frescoes, elaborate carvings on the wooden confession box. The
church’s bell tower built in 1318 is believed to be one of the oldest in the
lagoon.
Every summer a country fayre is held on the
island for both locals and visitors. There is music, games and, naturally,
traditional dishes such as "Luganega e Costesine" (sausages and ribs)
served with fried Polenta and washed down with local wine.
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| Wineyards in Mazzorbo |
Mazzorbo is linked to Burano by an old long
bridge called by the locals "Ponte Longo". Before you move on to
Burano, make sure you sample the island’s delicious cuisine. The Michelin-starred
Venissa Restaurant serves traditional dishes with a modern twist. Trattoria
Alla Maddalena is is famed for its pasta with a wild duck sauce (“tagliatelle
all'anatra selvatica”) and local artichoke, castraura of Mazzorbo, dishes.
The
Via della Vigna Winebar has excellent local wines and freshly caught fish.
Photos
via Flickr by: Michael Day, Hunter
Nield.
