The context
Sant Erasmo, four metres above sea level, is the largest island in the lagoon after Venice. In the 6th and 7th centuries, mainlanders fleeing the Lombard invasions decided to settle here because the land was rich and firm. In the 13th century agricultural activities were developed to feed the inhabitants of Venice.
The project
The particular position and the island nature of the fertile land have determined the unique character of the island of San Erasmo, long considered the vegetable garden of Venice. At the end of the 16th century, Francesco Sansovino described it as "an island rich in orchards and vineyards, which provides the city with a great and perfect abundance of vegetables and fruits".
The island has maintained its agricultural vocation, exploiting the potential of the land, rich in organic matter thanks to alluvial deposits, and growing fruit and vegetables that are "much more fragrant" than those of the mainland, thanks to the salt in the soil that enhances the natural sugars.
Among the most important crops are the famous purple artichokes in spring, a special variety appreciated throughout Italy for its purple colour. Fennel and pumpkins are also grown in the autumn.
Artichoke plantation in Via de le Motte (Source: Wikipedia, Sant'Erasmo)
In spring, the vegetable gardens are all under cultivation and the first fruits and vegetables are ready to leave the gardens for the Rialto market, the oldest market in the city of Venice. After a journey of around 50 km, the produce arrives in Venice, where customers agree to pay 30% more as a token of their knowledge and recognition of the provenance and quality of the produce. Producing in the Venetian lagoon has now become a true sign of quality.
A little extra
The star of the kitchen garden is undoubtedly the Sant'Erasmo purple artichoke, a tender, flavoursome variety with a delicious, slightly bitter aftertaste. The best way to taste it is to take part in the Sant'Erasmo Purple Artichoke Festival "Festa del carciofo violetto", where sales, tastings and cooking demonstrations are organised.
Sources :
Venice Venice. Between vineyards and vegetables, discover San Erasmo [online]. Available at: https://venise-venice.com/le-potager-de-venise/ [Accessed 02/07/2021].
"Sant'Erasmo: the Venetians' hidden treasure", Franceinfo, published on 05/11/2020, https://www.francetvinfo.fr/monde/italie/santerasmo-le-tresor-cache-des-venitiens_4169641.html
This sheet was written by Magda Salvatore, LFC trainee in June 2021.
Last modification : 23 Jan 2024.
Sant'Erasmo
Sant'Erasmo is an island in Venice's northern lagoon, historically considered a garden island. Indeed, the island's fertile soils have for centuries made it a veritable source of abundance of quality fruit and vegetables, sold at the Rialto market in Venice, the most famous of which is the purple artichoke.