The island of San Servolo was the seat of a Benedictine Monastery as early as the 8th century, and was transformed into a hospital in the mid-eighteenth century. Its buildings have been developed over the ages, mirroring themselves in the tranquil waters of the lagoon, and now cover an area of over sixteen thousand square meters, with a park approximately 10 acres large.

The island is located in the Venetian lagoon, between Venice's main city center and the island of Lido. It takes 10 minutes by boat to reach Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice, 20 minutes to reach Venice International airport Marco Polo.

San Servolo is a park-like oasis in a unique urban setting. Students can study, work, and relax among picturesque buildings, trees and a peaceful park overlooking Venice and its magic atmosphere. In addition to this, students will have an extraordinary opportunity to study under conditions that are significantly different from their normal day-to-day studying environment. They will be given the chance to share their experiences and knowledge with students and scholars coming to San Servolo from all around the world.

Room and Board

Students will be housed in double rooms on the island of San Servolo. Each room will have a private bath with shower. In the case that there are not enough rooms on the island, apartments in Venice will be rented. Laundry facilities will be available. There are no kitchen facilities in the dormitory.

The meal plan consists of a set of vouchers that can be used in the VIU cafeteria (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Monday-Friday, public holidays excluded) and also in a wide network of cafés, restaurants, and supermarkets. The vouchers are valid nationwide, so students can use them while traveling in Italy.

Last updated: 8 October 2007