Torcello is one of the most popular islands to visit in the Venetian lagoon, but it is still fairly quiet. The main reason to visit the island is to see the spectacular Byzantine mosaics in the 7th century Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell’Assunta. Much of the island is a nature reserve, accessible only by walking trails.
Founded in the 5th century, Torcello is even older than Venice and was a very important island in ancient times, with a population of around 20,000. Eventually malaria hit the island and much of the population died or left. The buildings were looted in search of construction material to leave small remains of their splendid palaces, churches and monasteries.
Mosaics in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell’Assunta
Torcello Cathedral was built in 639 and has a tall 11th-century bell tower dominating the skyline. Inside the cathedral there are impressive Byzantine mosaics from the 11th to the 13th century. One of the most impressive is the representation of the Last Judgment . From the boat stop, the main path leads to the cathedral, less than a 10-minute walk away. The cathedral is open every day from 10:00 to 17:30. There is an additional charge for climbing the bell tower.
Places to see
Next to the cathedral is the 11th century Church of Santa Fosca (free admission) surrounded by a 5-sided portico in the shape of a Greek cross. On the other side of the cathedral is the small Torcello Museum (closed on Mondays) housed in 14th-century mansions that were once the seat of government. It houses medieval artifacts, mainly from the island, and archaeological finds from the Paleolithic to the Roman period found in the Venice area. In the courtyard is the great stone throne known as the Throne of Attila.
The Andrich House Museum is an artists’ house and museum that exhibits more than 1000 works of art. It also has an educational farm and garden overlooking the lagoon, a good place to see flamingos from March to September. It can be visited on a guided tour.
Also on the island there are several walking trails and the Devil’s Bridge, Ponte del Diavolo , without side railings.
Get there
Torcello is a short boat ride from the island of Burano on line 9 of the vaporetto that runs between the two islands every half hour from 8:00 to 20:30. If you plan to visit both islands, it is best to buy an island transport pass when you leave Fondamente Nove.
Where to eat or stay
Visitors can have lunch or stay at the exclusive and historic Locanda Cipriani, a unique place to stay after visitors have spent the day. It was here in 1948 that Ernest Hemingway wrote part of his novel, Across the River and Through the Trees , and the hotel has hosted many other famous guests. Another place to stay is the Bed and Breakfast Ca ‘Torcello.
Restaurants where you can have lunch on the island:
- Osteria al Ponte del Diavolo (closed on Mondays) serves lunches based on fresh seasonal ingredients and has outdoor seating in a garden.
- Ristorante Villa ‘600 (closed Wednesdays) is housed in a building dating from the 17th century and has an outdoor dining area in a beautiful setting.
- Ristorante al Trono di Attila (closed on Mondays except in summer) also serves lunch.
