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Torcello is an island included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing for Venice and its Lagoon. It’s only about 45 minutes away from Venice on a vaporetto.
Introduction to Torcello
Torcello was settled in 452 by mainlanders from Altinum seeking refuge after their city was sacked by Attila the Hun. It was a powerful trading center long before Venice and had strong ties to Constantinople (now Istanbul). It was the official seat of the Bishop of Altino from 638 to 1689. The island’s influence and population started decreasing in the late 14th century, and today there are only about 10 full-time residents. Almost all of the churches and palazzos have disappeared.
Getting to Torcello
We visited Torcello after spending a few hours on nearby Burano, which is just a five-minute vaporetto ride away. Both Burano and Mazzorbo can easily be seen from the ferry terminal on Torcello.
From the ferry terminal, you have to walk along a canal for a few minutes before reaching some buildings and the Devil’s Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo). At the end of the path is a cluster of the last remaining medieval buildings on the island. They include the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and its bell tower, the Church of Santa Fosca, and the Torcello Museum.
Admissions on Torcello
There are several options for visiting the historical complex on Torcello. Admission to the basilica and museum with an audioguide is €9 for adults, €7 for kids age 6-12, and free for kids under 6; to the basilica and bell tower is €9; to the basilica only is €5; to the bell tower only is €5; and the museum only is €3 for adults, €1.50 for kids age 6-12, and free for kids under 6 (as of September 2024). Attractions are open daily. No admission is charged for the Church of Santa Fosca, which dates back to the 11th century.
Church of Santa Fosca
The Church of Santa Fosca (Chiesa di Santa Fosca) stands on the site of an earlier 9th century church. It was rebuilt in the 12th century to house the relics of the martyr Fusca and her nurse, Maura, who were killed in Ravenna in 250 AD under the persecutions of Roman Emperor Decius. The relics arrived from Sabratha, which is in present-day Libya. The church takes the form of a Greek cross and is surrounded by a portico on five sides. It’s topped by a dome and features Byzantine column capitals and motifs.
Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta
The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta (Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta), which was founded in 639, is one of the oldest buildings of the Venetian Lagoon. The first renovation took place in 864 with the addition of apses on the aisles as well as a synthronon. Another renovation in 1008 raised the nave and created an arcade separating it from the aisles. It also added windows to the western wall. The narthex was enlarged in the 13th century. In front of the church are the remains of a 7th century baptistry.
Inside the basilica are several 11th century Byzantine mosaics, which are the oldest in the region. The Last Judgment is featured on the counter-façade while the Virgin Hodegetria decorates the apse. The floor is paved with marble. Photography is forbidden inside.
Bell Tower
The bell tower, which is one of the symbols of the Venetian Lagoon, stands 55 meters high and is detached from the church. It features 15th century bells that are still in use today.
Climbing the bell tower is a great experience. It’s a long way up but it’s well worth it. You’ll get fantastic views of the lagoon and nearby islands, giving visitors a glimpse of how Venice and the lagoon may have looked in ancient times. You can also see both churches and the entire historical complex below.
Torcello Museum
Across from the two churches is the Torcello Museum (Museo di Torcello). It’s housed in the former Council Building (Palazzo del Consiglio) and Archive Building (Palazzo dell’Archivio), both constructed in the 14th century.
The museum was founded in 1872 by Luigi Torelli (1810-1887), two years after he purchased the Council Building to display archaeological finds from Torcello and islands around the lagoon. Cesare Augusto Levi took over the museum in 1887 after Torelli’s death. He purchased the Archive Building the same year, restored it, and moved the archaeological collection there.
The Council Building now contains the medieval and modern section of the museum, which opened in 1974. It displays artifacts and documents from the early Christian era until the 19th century. It presents the history of Torcello and its relationships with Venice, Altino, and the Byzantine Empire.
In front of the building is a well and the so-called Throne of Attila. The chair, which was carved out of a single piece of stone, has nothing to do with Attila, and was probably used as the seat of the bishop or mayor (podestà).
Where to Eat on Torcello
We didn’t have a full meal but stopped into one restaurant.
Ristorante Villa ‘600
Finally, before heading back to Venice, we stopped at Ristorante Villa ‘600, which serves Venetian cuisine. We were still quite full from our lunch on Burano so we decided to warm up with a cup of coffee and a slice of apple pie. The staff seemed kind of annoyed with us.
