When most travelers think of the Venetian lagoon, they picture Murano’s glassblowers, Burano’s colorful houses, or the quiet gardens of Torcello. Few, however, know about Isola della Certosa—a green oasis just a few minutes from Venice’s historic center.
Certosa is an island with many lives: once a Carthusian monastery, then a military base, later an abandoned industrial site, and today reborn as a public park, marina, and cultural hub. It’s a place where Venetians come to breathe, walk, cycle, and sail—yet tourists rarely venture here.
In this article, we’ll take you through the fascinating story of Certosa Island, exploring its past, its present, and why it deserves a spot on your Venice itinerary.
1. Where Is Certosa?
The Isola della Certosa lies just east of Venice’s historic center, a short distance from Sant’Elena and the Lido.
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By vaporetto, it’s only 5–10 minutes from San Marco.
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From the island, you get wonderful views of Venice’s skyline, but you’re surrounded by trees, fields, and water instead of palazzi and crowds.
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Its location made it strategically important for both monks seeking solitude and armies seeking defense.
2. The Origins: The Carthusians
The name “Certosa” comes from the Carthusian Order (Certosini in Italian). In 1424, the Carthusians established a monastery here, turning the marshy island into a place of prayer, study, and cultivation.
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They built churches, cloisters, and gardens, similar to other famous Charterhouses in Europe.
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The monks were known for their silence and contemplation, and Certosa offered the perfect retreat from bustling Venice.
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The island was self-sufficient, with orchards, vineyards, and water wells.
For centuries, it was a spiritual sanctuary—but history soon changed its destiny.
3. Napoleonic Suppression & Military Use
In 1797, when Napoleon conquered Venice, monasteries were suppressed. Certosa’s Carthusians were expelled, and the island was transformed into a military installation.
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Buildings were demolished or adapted into barracks and warehouses.
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Under Austrian and later Italian rule, the island remained a military base through the 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Its location near the entrance to the lagoon made it ideal for defensive purposes.
The silence of the monks was replaced by the drills of soldiers.
4. 20th Century: Shipyards and Abandonment
By the early 20th century, Certosa was no longer strategically vital. Instead, it was used for shipbuilding and repair. The island became semi-industrial, dotted with workshops.
But after WWII, activity dwindled. Certosa fell into decay and abandonment—a forgotten corner of Venice, visited only by stray workers, fishermen, and the occasional adventurer.
5. The Rebirth of Certosa
In the early 2000s, Venice embarked on an ambitious plan: to transform Certosa into a park and cultural hub.
The non-profit group Vento di Venezia took charge of redeveloping the island, focusing on:
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Environmental restoration – clearing ruins, planting trees, reviving wetlands.
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Public access – creating paths, picnic areas, and recreational facilities.
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Marina development – establishing the Marina Certosa, now one of the main sailing centers in Venice.
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Cultural programming – hosting festivals, concerts, art events.
Thanks to these efforts, Certosa is now seen as Venice’s green lung.
6. What to See on Certosa Today
Visitors to Certosa find a different Venice:
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The Park: grassy fields, shady trees, paths for walking and cycling.
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The Marina: yachts and sailing boats docked in a modern harbor.
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Restaurants & Bars: casual eateries like Il Certosino, where you can enjoy lagoon views.
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Public Art & Installations: during Biennale years, Certosa often hosts large-scale works.
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Historic Traces: remnants of monastery walls and military structures still dot the island.
Unlike the rest of Venice, Certosa has space—room to walk freely, picnic, or let children run.
7. Nature & Wildlife
Certosa’s redevelopment emphasized nature conservation. The island is now home to:
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Migratory birds: herons, egrets, and cormorants.
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Native plants: reeds, poplars, and lagoon flora.
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Wetland ecosystems that mirror the lagoon’s natural rhythm.
For Venetians, it’s a rare place where you can feel connected to nature inside the lagoon.
8. Events & Culture
Certosa isn’t just green space—it’s also a stage.
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Venice Biennale: installations often appear here, away from the main crowds.
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Music & Cinema: outdoor concerts and screenings are hosted in summer.
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Community Events: regattas, sailing lessons, eco-workshops.
The mix of nature, history, and creativity makes Certosa unique among Venetian islands.
9. Why Visit Certosa?
Certosa is ideal if you want:
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Peace and quiet after crowded Venice.
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A chance to see Venice from a different angle.
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A family-friendly space with grass and open air.
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To combine history, nature, and sailing.
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A glimpse of Venice’s future: sustainable, green, and community-driven.
It’s also a local favorite, giving you an authentic experience beyond tourist clichés.
10. How to Get to Certosa
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Vaporetto: ACTV Line 4.1 and 4.2 stop at Certosa.
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Private Boat: with a guide, you can dock at the marina.
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Kayak & SUP tours: adventurous ways to reach it.
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From Sant’Elena, it’s just one stop—or even a short paddle away.
11. Conclusion: Certosa, the Island of Venice’s Future
Isola della Certosa tells a story of Venice reinventing itself. From monks to soldiers to sailors, it has served many roles. Today, it’s a model of how the lagoon can be both preserved and lived in—a green park that welcomes Venetians and travelers alike.
👉 With Tour Leader Venice, you can explore Certosa as part of a private lagoon itinerary, combining it with Sant’Erasmo, San Michele, or the Lido. Imagine a day of boat, nature, and hidden Venice—ending with a glass of Prosecco overlooking the skyline from Certosa’s marina.
Because Venice isn’t just about its monuments. It’s also about its living islands, where history and future meet.
