Torcello

Torcello is a quiet and mysterious island perched in the northern portion of the Venetian Lagoon and stands as a portentous claim for one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in this area. 

It was overshadowed for a long time by its more famous neighboring islands, Murano and its glassworks, and the ever-colorful Burano Island Venice. Torcello is the sanctuary of history, dating even before the emergence of Venice.

These days, the sparsely populated island offers visitors an odd kind of vantage point into the serene early medieval past of the lagoon. The Island of Torcello lies timelessly amid fewer than two dozen inhabitants, calm scenery, some of the oldest religious structures nearby, and with little bustle. 

The pathways through the island bring one to must-see sites, but largely undiscovered by many, such as the Byzantine-style Santa Maria Assunta di Torcello Cathedral with its ancient mosaics, and equally charming sites such as the Devil's Bridge, reverberant with local legends.

This in-between stop on many tours was just perfect for lovers of history, those in search of spirituality, and anyone interested in off-the-beaten-track experiences in Venice.

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Why Visit Torcello?

Torcello offers that rare combination of silence and solitude seldom found in modern tourism. Unlike bustling St Mark's Square or the colorful chaos of Burano, Torcello is a serene reminder of Venice's distant beginnings. The visit is not merely about sightseeing; it's about introspection, history, and nature.

Torcello was once a thriving mercantile town, larger than Venice itself. Its advantageous location near the route of trade made it an important port, as well as a religious center. 

Subsequent environmental changes and the rise of Venice drew its influence and its residents away from the island. But even today, the remnants of the past can be traced; crumbling stone walls, ancient pathways, and the mosaics in the Church of Santa Maria Assunta are evidence of that.

Torcello's natural ambiance is also an attraction. The surrounding wetlands, teeming with bird life and hugging the shores of the vast lagoon, invite scenic hiking, photography, and private meditations on the island's few walking trails. 

The light through the area changes oftentimes through the day, creating satisfying moods for these components.

In addition, restaurants like the famous Locanda Cipriani, once frequented by visitors like Ernest Hemingway, Queen Elizabeth II, and Princess Diana, provide some fine dining in an unforgettable setting.

The Main Attractions of Torcello

Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta

The construction of the Santa Maria Assunta di Torcello had begun in 639 AD, thereby becoming the oldest structure in the Lagoon and one of the early Christian monument edifices of great importance to Italy. Despite its simple exterior, the basilica houses some of the finest Byzantine mosaics to be found in Europe.

Highlights include:

An incredible Last Judgment mosaic on the west wall displays vivid colors and small details.

The apse magnificently presents the Virgin and Child.

Ancient columns and original marble floors date back to the early medieval period.

A small sum would be taken as entry fees to the basilica, and due to conservation reasons, photography is not allowed. For some extra pennies, visitors can purchase combination tickets that allow them to visit the bell tower and museum.

Church of Santa Fosca

On one side of the basilica stands the Church of Santa Fosca from the 11th century, known for its harmonious proportions and elegant simplicity. Built-in the form of a Greek cross, it possesses a five-arched portico that offers one of the most peaceful and picturesque sites on the island for contemplation.

Its interior is modest yet uplifting and gives an impression of early Christian architecture before the Gothic or Renaissance flourishes took hold of Venetian design.

The Bell Tower (Campanile)

Santa Maria Assunta Campanile gives one of the best panoramic views in the lagoon. Its height is minimal, but conquering the spiral staircase bestows incomparable views of Torcello, the wetlands, closer Burano, and, of course, Venice in the distance on a good day.

Minimal charge for the right to view, best climbed at early morning and late afternoon for the right light.

Devil's Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo)

The stone arch over a narrow canal, most photographed, is Devil's Bridge. No railings or parapets adorn this bridge thus preserving the true essence of a Venetian bridge centuries ago.

According to local legend, the bridge got its name from a pact made between a young girl and the devil, who helped her to resurrect her dead lover. Whether you believe or not, the story adds some charm to Torcello; nevertheless, it is a sought-after spot for pictures.

The Throne of Attila

Another interesting object is the Throne of Attila, which is an open stone chair set up in the meadow beside the basilica. There is no historical evidence connecting it with the Hun, but tradition says that it was used by the magistrates and/or bishops during better days of the island. 

Today, it has become one of the popular symbols of Torcello and serves as a good photo opportunity.

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Guided Tours and Packages

Torcello Only

For a more detailed examination of the silent majesty of the island, exclusive walking tours on Intorcel'' are offered. These tours are usually conducted by locals or qualified historians and are expected to include:

Historical interpretation of Santa Maria Assunta di Torcello and Church of Santa Fosca

Entry into the bell tower and small museums on-site

Stopovers at the Devil's Bridge, the Throne of Attila, and the amiable walk behind the churches

Tours usually last 1 or 2 hours, providing quiet immersion suitable for travelers desiring a meditative and non-commercial approach to Venetian history.

Murano + Burano + Torcello Combo Tours 

The most famous way to experience Torcello is to join the Murano, Burano, and Torcello combo tour, a day-long trip that introduces tourists to three distinctive perspectives of the Venetian Lagoon:

Glass-making demonstration in Murano and its glassworks

Lace-making demonstration on Burano Island Venice

A relaxed stroll through the Old World structures and claims of Torcello. The tours start at about 4 to 6 hours and are bookable from platforms like veniceXplorer with GetYourGuide, Tiqets, and other services for Venice tours and tickets. 

They are tailored for the first-time visitor or those with little time on their hands who would like to see something beyond St Mark's Square.

Multilingual guides, skip-the-line entrances, and convenient boat transfers are included for many of these tours, which typically depart from key points in central Venice, such as Piazzale Roma, the area in front of San Zaccaria Church, or Santa Lucia Station.

Visiting Torcello

Visitor Information

The Place and How to Get There: Torcello is found in the northeastern sector of the Venetian Lagoon, well quite beyond Burano Island Venice. Albeit remote, not at all difficult to reach by a tourist staying in central Venice.

The most popular option is the vaporetto (water bus) Line 12, which currently runs from Fondamente Nove at regular intervals. A stop at Burano, where a short connecting boat must be taken to reach Torcello, is included in the journey. The estimated total time spent traveling from Venice is 45-60 minutes.

Alternatively, visitors might also consider participating in some of the Murano, Burano, and Torcello tours with transport, expert commentary, and entrance to attraction sites. Such tours usually begin at St Mark's Square, Santa Lucia Station, or Piazzale Roma.

Independent travelers - try walking along a beautiful pathway or taking the local canal boat to Torcello's main entrance after arriving in Burano-short and a scenic trip added to the experience.

Best Time to Visit: Oftentimes, Torcello is best visited in spring, which spans the months of April to June and the September to October months of early fall.

The mornings and late afternoons are particularly deserted due to low tourist presence, thus creating conditions even better for reflective walks, photography, or spiritual meditation. Tourists enjoy combining trips to Torcello with an earlier visit to Burano Island Venice in such a way that both places become entailed as a memorable section of the whole lagoon itinerary.

Ticket Information

Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta

Open: Usually from 10 AM to 5 PM daily (mainly due to changes in season and religious festivals)

Entrance Fees

Basilica: €5

Bell Tower: €5

Co-bundle Basilica + Bell Tower: ~€9

Children: Under 6 is Free.

Tickets can be purchased at the site or part of a tour package. Best to come early to enjoy the quiet atmosphere without crowds.

Vaporetto Tickets

The vaporetto is the most practical public transport means to the island of Torcello and islands around.

Single ticket: €9.50. (valid for 75 minutes)

Tourist travel cards

24h: €25

48h: €35

72h: €45

For multiple visits through the lagoon, use the Venezia Unica City Pass for better offer and ease. Purchase tickets online, at ACTV kiosks, or at major vaporetto stations.

Tour Packages

Tour price varies depending on the number of islands included, how long, and the level of service (group size, private guide, etc.). 

Private or small-group tours: 40-90 euros

Most tours are refundable with 24 hours' notice and best booked in advance during the peak tourist season.

Recommended Tickets

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9-day Venice, Florence and Rome Small-Group Tour from Venice

Transfer from Venice Marco Polo airport or Mestre station to Cortina d'Ampezzo

Visitor Tips

Wear comfortable shoes for walking: Most of the paths in Torcello are gravel or uneven stone.

Take water and snacks: There are limited commercial activities on the island, especially in the off-seasons.

Avoid the busy mid-day hours: Early visits in the morning or late afternoon are more peaceful and photogenic.

Make good use of your time: Spend a minimum of 1-2 hours wandering around Torcello unless, of course, you are combining it with trips to Murano and Burano; then make it 4-6 hours in total.

Respect the ambience: The island is sparsely populated but spiritually significant; visitors are urged to keep noise to a minimum and behave with decorum.

Eat at Locanda Cipriani: This mythical restaurant has entertained princes and princesses, one of the most romantic garden settings in the lagoon.

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Conclusion

For all who search the deeper side of the world beyond Venice's famed landmarks, Torcello offers an unforgettable journey into the very origins of Venetian civilization. Silent churches and rare mosaics, rustic bridges, and unspoiled nature—both spiritually harmonizing and grand in history—this is truly an island.

A visit to Torcello, whether as part of a full tour of the lagoon islands or separate, resplendently concludes the triumvirate of must-see islands. For lovers of quietude, history, and calming beauty, a necessity; a faint echo of what Venice once was, and perhaps a very distant hope of what it can still become.