Torcello

Torcello was once the most important and populated island in the Venetian Republic, with over 20,000 residents. The population that lived on the mainland fled to the marshy islands when the people of Lombardy and the Huns invaded the north of Italy. It remained great for approximately one century, and then was hit by an outbreak of malaria that decimated the population, and the power was moved to Venice.

Visiting Torcello

Arriving in Torcello will remind you of the first scenes of The Godfather Part II: a very rural and declining scenery, with a few souvenir shops that liven up the area. It's truly like going back in time.

One of the highlights of Torcello is Attila’s Throne, which is an ancient chair made of stone. It's located in the main square of the town, and it's believed that this chair was used by Attila, King of the Huns.

Torcello Cathedral

The Church of Santa Maria Assunta is the oldest building in the Venetian Lagoon. Its interior has remarkable Byzantine mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries. This impressive basilica was founded in 639, and it still preserves a 9th-century portico with arches.

If you want to get a good view of the Lagoon and maybe take a few photos of the landscape, we suggest climbing to the top of the bell tower.

Next to the Basilica is the Santa Fosca church, surrounded by a pentagonal portico.

Getting to Torcello

These are the easiest ways to get to Torcello from Venice:

• Public transport: The LN Water Bus line runs from Fondamenta Nuovo or San Zaccaria to Torcello. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes and 5 minutes if you take a vaporetto from Burano.

An Essential Visit

Torcello is 5 minutes away from Burano. Thus, we recommend visiting both on the same day. We suggest you spend a day sailing and discovering the main spots to see in Torcello and Burano.