Torcello island
Torcello
Island mostly reclaimed by nature, considered the symbol of Venice’s birth.
What makes it special
Mythic birthplace of Venice
In 452 AD, as barbarian invasions swept across the mainland, Torcello became one of the first lagoon islands to be settled by Venetians seeking refuge.
A place almost lost
Many inhabitants left by the late 14th century as a result of the Black Death and the expansion of swampy areas — which made navigation difficult and worsened malaria. Today, only about 10 people are permanent residents. Almost all buildings have vanished as Venetians recycled their materials.
An early church frozen in time
Because of this exodus, the island's cathedral, Santa Maria Assunta, escaped extensive later reconstruction, so what we see today is an approximate version of the same church that stood at the beginning of the first millennium.
Remarkable mosaics
Inside Santa Maria Assunta, the walls and floor are adorned with stunning Byzantine-Venetian mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries. The apse features a majestic mosaic of the Madonna and Child, while the entrance wall presents a dramatic and powerful depiction of the Last Judgment.
An untamed view
From the Basilica’s 55-meter (180-foot) campanile (Torcello Belltower) the views are truly unique. Instead of Venice’s familiar rooftops, you’re treated to a sweeping panorama of wild, beautiful nature. It's a completely different perspective on the lagoon, evoking what it may have looked like long before Venice was born.
Your experience here
- Shift gears and leave the crowds of Venice behind to enjoy peaceful, natural surroundings.
- Explore the quiet remains of one of the lagoon’s oldest settlements.
- See the lagoon unfold beneath you from the bell tower.
- Get lost in the intricate details of the Last Judgement mosaic.
Getting to Torcello
There are two main ways to reach Torcello from Venice, both by water: an organized boat tour or the public water bus.
In either case, once you arrive at the island’s pier, a short walk awaits you to reach its main sights.
Hop on a boat tour
Organized tours on large, fast motorboats are perfect for maximizing a day of sightseeing.
They usually include a glassblowing demonstration in Murano along with visits to Burano.
Plus, you avoid the often crowded vaporettos returning from the islands and enjoy a predictable return time to Venice — all at a price comparable to a water bus day pass.
Explore at your own pace
Waterbus line 9 runs every 15 minutes from Burano to Torcello, with the trip taking around 5 minutes.
Line 12 also connects Torcello to Venice, but only in the early morning and evening.
Continue on foot
In both cases, once you arrive at the island’s pier, you’ll follow a charming 0.7-kilometer (0.45-mile) brick-paved path.
The path runs parallel to a canal, winding through peaceful surroundings occasionally dotted with a few restaurants and the intriguing Devil’s Bridge.
After a pleasant 10–15 minute stroll, you’ll arrive at the heart of Torcello.
What to see in Torcello
Don't miss these highlights:
More like this
More islands in the Venetian lagoon:
