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Venice's Lagoon Islands: Murano, Burano, and Torcello with Dr. Susan Steer

Venice's Lagoon Islands: Murano, Burano, and Torcello with Dr. Susan Steer


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Susan Steer takes us on a visit to the three very distinctive and beautiful islands in Venice’s northern lagoon: Murano, Burano, and Torcello, each with its own traditions, art, architecture, and stories to be told.
First, we will head to Torcello which lies about six miles to the north of Venice across the Lagoon. Once a busy and important center of trade in its own right and often considered the precursor to Venice itself, Torcello is now a tiny hamlet and a delightful green oasis for those weary of the hustle of downtown Venice. Its ancient cathedral church, rebuilt in 1008, is the oldest monument in the lagoon area. Though it is austere on the outside, inside, it is decorated with extraordinary mosaics, including a Last Judgement that threatens the wicked with some very gruesome torments. A short hop to Burano, and we are in a bustling fishing village, full of life with tiny, gaudily colored cottages. Finally, we will conclude our journey on Murano, famed for its glass-making traditions and still home to a large working community, but, as is often missed by visitors, with its own monuments of considerable artistic and historical value.
Led by Dr. Susan Steer, an expert in Venetian art, this interactive seminar will introduce the art, architecture, and traditions of the three most distinctive and interesting Venetian islands. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an understanding of the varied art, traditions, and culture of the Venice lagoon beyond the well-known monuments of the city center.

Susan Steer PhD is an art historian specializing in Medieval and Renaissance Venice. Susan has an extensive teaching background, lecturing on Italian art for universities in the UK and in Italy. She has also worked as a paintings researcher at museums in the UK, and has published on Italian Renaissance and Baroque art in leading specialist journals. She has lived in Venice for over 20 years.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 18 reviews
89%
(16)
6%
(1)
6%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
Laurie (Saint Paul, US)
Excellent

Very well done presentation on Venice’s culturally rich islands. Especially liked descriptions of Torcello.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Island Hoping Fun

This seminar was a very relaxing but informative exploration of 3 often-visited Venetian islands (and mention of one needing private transport). Dr Steer wove historical facts amongst the various highlights of the islands' sites which added to the overall viewing experience. Enjoyed the brief videos of the actual visits via vaporetto and on site interspersed with the dialogue and slides. Since I have visited the 3 main islands discussed, I found this very nostalgic and added to my knowledge base.

W
W. (Sonoma, US)
Superb presentation

Susan's presentation was delightful - informative, interesting and fun to watch. She is a wonderful communicator and most helpful in her responses to our questions. This session helped me plan my own visit later this month.

S
S.S. (Palo Alto, US)
Another great Venetian lecture by Dr Susan Steer

If it’s by Dr Steer you know it will be good

G
G.L. (Jersey City, US)
Can't wait to visit!

I have been to Venice many times and always wanted to visit the islands but never found the time. Now it is a must see for my next trip!

Customer Reviews

Based on 18 reviews
89%
(16)
6%
(1)
6%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
Laurie (Saint Paul, US)
Excellent

Very well done presentation on Venice’s culturally rich islands. Especially liked descriptions of Torcello.

S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Island Hoping Fun

This seminar was a very relaxing but informative exploration of 3 often-visited Venetian islands (and mention of one needing private transport). Dr Steer wove historical facts amongst the various highlights of the islands' sites which added to the overall viewing experience. Enjoyed the brief videos of the actual visits via vaporetto and on site interspersed with the dialogue and slides. Since I have visited the 3 main islands discussed, I found this very nostalgic and added to my knowledge base.

W
W. (Sonoma, US)
Superb presentation

Susan's presentation was delightful - informative, interesting and fun to watch. She is a wonderful communicator and most helpful in her responses to our questions. This session helped me plan my own visit later this month.

S
S.S. (Palo Alto, US)
Another great Venetian lecture by Dr Susan Steer

If it’s by Dr Steer you know it will be good

G
G.L. (Jersey City, US)
Can't wait to visit!

I have been to Venice many times and always wanted to visit the islands but never found the time. Now it is a must see for my next trip!