Torcello is where Venice began. In 452 AD, mainland refugees fleeing Attila the Hun settled this lagoon island and built what became a thriving town of 20,000. Malaria and silting eventually drove everyone to Venice proper, and today roughly 14 people live here. What remains is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639 AD and containing Byzantine mosaics as early as anything in the Venice lagoon. The walk from the vaporetto stop crosses a medieval stone bridge and follows marshland paths, a stark contrast to Venice’s density. Take the vaporetto from Fondamente Nove or from Burano (45–60 minutes). Combine with Burano on the same day trip. Cathedral admission is around €5; check ACTV for current vaporetto schedules.
island in Venice
Torcello
Venice exists because Torcello failed. In 452 AD, mainland Veneti fleeing Attila the Hun's destruction of Altinum settled Torcello first. By the 10th century it had 20,000 people, a cathedral, and a bishop. Malaria and silting gradually drove everyone to Venice proper, and today roughly 14 people live here.
- Type
- island
- Destination
- Venice
- Cost
- Free to visit
- Founded
- 7th century
- Era
- Byzantine
- Address
- 30142 Venice
- Coordinates
- 45.4951, 12.4122
- Official website
- Visit website