Just a short wooden bridge away from the colorful houses of Burano lies Mazzorbo, one of the Venetian Lagoon’s most peaceful and underrated islands. Often overlooked by tourists rushing to photograph Burano’s candy-colored facades, Mazzorbo is a tranquil oasis full of history, spirituality, vineyards, and traditional lagoon life.
At its heart stands a hidden gem: the Church of Santa Caterina, one of the oldest churches in the lagoon, with roots going back to the 8th century and a bell tower that still rings with the echoes of medieval Venice.
In this article, we’ll explore why Mazzorbo is worth a visit, what to see and do, how to reach it from Venice, and why the Church of Santa Caterina should be on the radar of anyone who loves history, architecture, or silence.
Where Is Mazzorbo?
Mazzorbo is located in the northern Venetian Lagoon, right next to Burano. In fact, the two islands are connected by a small wooden pedestrian bridge called Ponte Longo, so visitors often don’t even realize they’ve crossed into a different island.
But Mazzorbo has its own identity—less flashy, more reflective, with ancient roots and a strong agricultural tradition. If Burano is the extroverted artist, Mazzorbo is the quiet monk.
Why Visit Mazzorbo?
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Fewer tourists: Most people skip it or barely walk across the bridge, leaving it peaceful and serene.
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Historic charm: This island was once home to noble Venetian families and a number of convents and churches.
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Santa Caterina: The oldest bell in the Venetian lagoon hangs here.
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Lagoon vineyards: Yes, Mazzorbo has working vineyards growing ancient grape varieties.
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A place to breathe: It’s a perfect spot for a walk, a picnic, or quiet reflection.
The Church of Santa Caterina: A Treasure of the Lagoon
🏛️ History
The Chiesa di Santa Caterina (Church of St. Catherine) is believed to date back to the 8th century, though the current structure is mostly from the 14th and 15th centuries. It is one of the oldest surviving churches in the Venetian Lagoon, making it a site of major historical and spiritual importance.
This was once part of a large Benedictine convent, which played an important role in the religious life of the region. Over centuries, fires, floods, and neglect nearly led to its disappearance—but it was restored thanks to local efforts and now stands quietly as a testament to the lagoon’s layered past.
🔔 The Oldest Bell in the Lagoon
The bell in the Church of Santa Caterina’s tower is said to be the oldest still-functioning bell in the Venetian lagoon, dated to 1318. It’s not just a relic—it still chimes, reminding the few who hear it of a Venice that existed long before tourists and gondolas.
🎨 Interior Highlights
The church’s interior is simple but full of atmosphere:
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Exposed wooden beams and rough brick walls
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A beautiful wooden ceiling in the shape of an inverted ship hull
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Soft natural light that changes throughout the day
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Frescoes and icons with medieval and Renaissance roots
There’s a quiet, meditative atmosphere here. You can sit, listen to the creaking wood, and feel centuries pass by in silence.
Other Things to See and Do in Mazzorbo
🍇 Visit the Venissa Vineyard and Estate
Just steps from Santa Caterina is Venissa, a remarkable vineyard and wine estate growing the ancient Dorona grape—a rare Venetian white variety once almost extinct.
The vineyard is surrounded by medieval walls, and you can walk through the rows of vines while taking in views of the lagoon. Venissa also hosts:
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A Michelin-starred restaurant
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A luxury wine resort
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Informal osteria and wine tastings
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Beautiful views and gardens
We can organize a visit or lunch at Venissa, paired with a walking tour of Mazzorbo and Burano.
🚶♂️ Walk the Island Pathways
Mazzorbo is flat, green, and peaceful—ideal for a leisurely walk. Follow the canals, pass vegetable gardens and old houses, and enjoy panoramic views across the lagoon.
🛶 Lagoon by Boat
Mazzorbo is a great starting point for a private boat tour of the northern lagoon—including visits to Torcello, the ancient heart of Venice, and lesser-known islands like San Francesco del Deserto or Sant’Erasmo.
How to Get to Mazzorbo from Venice
🚤 Vaporetto (Public Water Bus)
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From Fondamente Nove in Venice, take Line 12 toward Burano.
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Mazzorbo has its own stop—get off before Burano if you want to start there.
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Travel time: About 40–45 minutes
🚤 Private Tour (Recommended!)
We offer private boat tours that include Mazzorbo, Burano, Murano, and even Torcello, with hotel pickup and licensed local guides. Skip the crowded water buses and enjoy the lagoon in style!
When to Visit Mazzorbo
🌸 Spring and Fall: Perfect weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant vineyard colors.
🕊️ Early Morning or Late Afternoon: For soft light and serenity.
🎉 On a Feast Day: Especially St. Catherine’s Day (November 25), when the local community honors the church’s patron saint.
What to Bring
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Comfortable shoes (you’ll walk on gravel and grass)
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A camera (for the church, vineyard, and lagoon views)
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Curiosity and time (this is a place to slow down)
A Local Tip
After visiting the Church of Santa Caterina, walk through the Venissa vineyard, cross the wooden bridge to Burano, and finish your day with an aperitivo by the canal. It’s one of the most magical sequences of experiences in the lagoon—and still under the radar.
Final Thoughts: Mazzorbo, A Place to Remember
In a lagoon often overwhelmed by tourism, Mazzorbo is a quiet miracle—a reminder that Venice isn’t just gondolas and crowds, but also silence, vines, bells, and time.
Come for the ancient church, stay for the peace, the views, the local flavors, and the connection to Venice’s deepest roots. It’s a place where history whispers, grapes grow in salt-kissed air, and the lagoon still feels like home.
🌿 Ready to Discover Mazzorbo for Yourself?
We offer private half-day or full-day lagoon tours that include:
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A guided visit to Santa Caterina Church
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A walk through Venissa and Mazzorbo
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A bridge crossing to Burano
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Optional wine tastings or lunch at Venissa
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Comfortable private boat transfers
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A local licensed guide who brings it all to life
👉 Book your lagoon experience now and discover the side of Venice most tourists never see.
