Isola Torcello
Isola Torcello
4
About
This small island is a bit off the usual Venetian path, but it’s worth seeing. Its Santa Maria Assunta church houses impressive mosaics, its bell tower offers great surrounding views—and it’s home to Locanda Cipriani, a well-regarded restaurant and hotel that played host to writing legend Ernest Hemingway .
Duration: 1-2 hours
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annReading_UK
Reading, UK68 contributions
Nov 2022
After hearing lot about Torcello and seeing its tower in the distance from Burano I finally took the short ferry trip in November. The magnificent church is well worth a (short) visit. The climb up the stairs in the bell tower is even higher on my list of things to do: the views from the top are amazing, providing a very different view across the lagoon - astonishingly peaceful, beautiful and wild. On the way back to the boat we met two very large groups of visitors who piled off a tour boat.I'm glad we were lucky to have been alone up the tower! I suggest you get to Torcello early in the day. We passed two nice-looking restaurants but wanted to eat on Burano so didn't try the Torcello businesses. For a very different experience of Venice I recommend Torcello - you'll hear birdsong😀
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AL_reviewer_2014
Weymouth, UK169 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
I didn’t stay on the island for very long, but I absolutely loved what I saw. If you aren’t claustrophobic and don’t mind heights, then you absolutely must climb the tower. The views of the lagoon are superb. If a group is going up, wait for them to come down. There is little room at the top and the climb is narrow. There are about 80 steps as the rest is ramps.
In the church, the mosaics are well worth seeing. No photos allowed. I couldn’t get the audio guide that was included in my ticket because I didn’t have photo ID.
In the church, the mosaics are well worth seeing. No photos allowed. I couldn’t get the audio guide that was included in my ticket because I didn’t have photo ID.
Written June 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tommo
Melbourne, Australia55,931 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
I visited Torcello as a DIY and used the ATV to get there. I felt a tour would be too rushed and at least I can explore at my own speed.
Torcello was my least favourite island compared to Burano and Murano. We didnt stay long.
It was quite underwhelming and I wish I spent more time at the other islands.
Torcello was my least favourite island compared to Burano and Murano. We didnt stay long.
It was quite underwhelming and I wish I spent more time at the other islands.
Written February 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Compassrose50
Eugene, OR12 contributions
Jul 2011
If you want a break from the crowds of Venice, try taking the vaporetto out to the lagoon islands. We stopped at Murano, Burano and Torcello. Murano and Burano were touristy, but Torcello was unique. I'd skip Murano, the glass was actually cheaper, and prettier, in Venice, and Burano is worth the visit for the lace, but also to see the colorful houses that line the canal. At Torcello, the vaporetto docks a ways from the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral, and you stroll in along countryside, a canal, on a paved walkway. You pass several inviting restaurants, each had some patrons, but unfortunately, we had not planned on eating there. We took the "DM" direct Murano vaporetto, and then the TB, Torcello/Burano. Each had timetables that were very accommodating, leaving every 15 minutes or so.
The highlight for us was the cathedral, and its mosaics. The 12th century Madonna over the altar is stunning, but especially interesting is the "The Last Judgment" on the wall of the church with the exit door. Worth it to spend the two euros on the guide, (but don't try to share--it will be confiscated!). Any time spent before going learning about the mosaics, or the history of the island. would be time well spent. The museums house amazing artifacts, worth the look, at no extra cost or minimal.
For the kids, might be fun to have them look for the cats on the island, there are many curled up along the way in to the cathedral, sleeping in groups under bushes.
All in all, one of my favorite memories of Venice, right after San Marco!
You can see this island in 90 minutes, the travel time was about an hour as I recall, but adding Murano and Burano, made this a 5 hour excursion.
Other: Bathroom facilities are available on the island, there is a 1.5 Euro cost, exact change needed.
Stairs to one museum.
The highlight for us was the cathedral, and its mosaics. The 12th century Madonna over the altar is stunning, but especially interesting is the "The Last Judgment" on the wall of the church with the exit door. Worth it to spend the two euros on the guide, (but don't try to share--it will be confiscated!). Any time spent before going learning about the mosaics, or the history of the island. would be time well spent. The museums house amazing artifacts, worth the look, at no extra cost or minimal.
For the kids, might be fun to have them look for the cats on the island, there are many curled up along the way in to the cathedral, sleeping in groups under bushes.
All in all, one of my favorite memories of Venice, right after San Marco!
You can see this island in 90 minutes, the travel time was about an hour as I recall, but adding Murano and Burano, made this a 5 hour excursion.
Other: Bathroom facilities are available on the island, there is a 1.5 Euro cost, exact change needed.
Stairs to one museum.
Written July 31, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seeking True Quality
Europe4,803 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
We visited this remote and serene island to see the famous Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta!
We took the vaporetto line 14 from San Zaccaria to Punta Sabbioni and then the line 12 to Torcello. The lagoon was very inspiring - so quiet and in sharp contrast with the overcrowded Venice.
Halfway from the vaporetto stop to the Basilica is the Ponte del Diavolo, an interesting little bridge with an interesting legend...
The Basilica is well worth visiting. The byzantine style mosaics on the walls and on the floor are so delicate, a great work of art. Unfortunately taking pictures inside the Basilica is not allowed...
The church of Santa Fosca next to the Basilica is unfortunately less interesting. There is also the so called Throne of Attila (the Hun) and a little museum which we did not visit.
We took the vaporetto line 14 from San Zaccaria to Punta Sabbioni and then the line 12 to Torcello. The lagoon was very inspiring - so quiet and in sharp contrast with the overcrowded Venice.
Halfway from the vaporetto stop to the Basilica is the Ponte del Diavolo, an interesting little bridge with an interesting legend...
The Basilica is well worth visiting. The byzantine style mosaics on the walls and on the floor are so delicate, a great work of art. Unfortunately taking pictures inside the Basilica is not allowed...
The church of Santa Fosca next to the Basilica is unfortunately less interesting. There is also the so called Throne of Attila (the Hun) and a little museum which we did not visit.
Written March 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael P
Holland, PA50 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
If you have an extra day in Venice, buy an extended Vaparetto pass and head for Murano, Burano and Torcello. Take the #7 to Murano first as they stop the glass blowing demos by lunch time (too hot in the pm) then take the #12 to Torcello and burano. At Torcello you will find some of the most amazing mosaics anywhere. Done in the 12th and 13th centuries, the one on the back wall, roughly 30 ft high and 20 ft wide is covered with gold and depicts the "Last Judgement." Pay the extra few Euros and go with a guide who will decode all the pictures for you. It's well worth the trip. Then get back on the #12 for a short trip to Burano where the multicolored houses and charming canals and piazzas will charm you. Shop for lace items (they're specialty and have lunch in an outdoor cafe. When you've seen enough, take the #12 back to Murano (Faro) and switch to the #7 to get back to St. Mark's Square or nearby stops.
Written July 20, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rumples
Tucson, AZ11,708 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
In December, we came here from Venice by vaporetto to visit the 7th-century Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, which features stunning Byzantine mosaics. But we also found an idyllic, sparsely populated island with a fascinating history. Founded in the 5th century, Torcello is older than Venice and once had a population of 20,000 between the 7th and 1lth centuries. Now that has dwindled to far less than 100 residents, with estimates as low as 14, because of long-ago disease epidemics and a losing competition with Venice.
As soon as we got off the vaporetto, Torcello charmed us with its vast greenery and lack of crowds in winter. We saw only about 20 other tourists during our morning stay. To reach the basilica required a 10-minute walk along a brick pathway by a quiet, narrow canal. In the process, we passed a small, restored, centuries-old arched foot-bridge without railings, which spanned the canal, and a few small buildings, including a coffee shop. Walking trails meandered through a nearby nature reserve, but we didn't follow any.
A museum of antiquities, many displayed outside; a bell tower, which can be climbed, with stunning views of the area; and the 11th-century Church of Santa Fosca stand by the basilica. This grouping of attractions makes the island a most convenient place to visit. We were surprised to learn that one wall of mosaics in the basilica was under restoration, but the written announcement was posted where visitors could see it before paying the entrance fee. We considered it quite worthwhile to still go inside.
We considered eating lunch on the island, but decided to wait until our next stop at the island of Burano. Places to eat on Torcello include the famous Locanda Cipriani, where a long list of notables, such as Ernest Hemingway, Queen Elisabeth II, Marc Chagall, Paul Newman, Julia Roberts and Steven Spielberg, have dined or stayed in its inn.
Unless spending a chunk of time in the Venice area, I would not recommend making a special trip here unless the island's atmosphere and basilica mosaics appeal. We have visited Venice many times and this was our first stop on Torcello. Too many other places and activities captured our interest. That said, after seeing the island, we wondered what took us so long to come to this destination.
Many tour operators offer excursions here, combined with other islands, but we opted to travel independently, carefully studying vaporetto schedules. Our itinerary involved going directly to Torcello, the northern-most point of Venice in the Lagoon; heading south to Burano Island; and then returning to Venice. As we stayed seven days in the area and had 7-day travel passes, we decided to also see Murano, an island very close to Venice, on another day.
To get to Torcello, we took Vaporetto 12 from Fondamenta Nuove, which took about 45 minutes. From Torcello, we caught Vaporetto 9, for the short 5-minute ride to Burano. A one-day travel card would be a cost-effective approach for using vaporetti on this trip.
As soon as we got off the vaporetto, Torcello charmed us with its vast greenery and lack of crowds in winter. We saw only about 20 other tourists during our morning stay. To reach the basilica required a 10-minute walk along a brick pathway by a quiet, narrow canal. In the process, we passed a small, restored, centuries-old arched foot-bridge without railings, which spanned the canal, and a few small buildings, including a coffee shop. Walking trails meandered through a nearby nature reserve, but we didn't follow any.
A museum of antiquities, many displayed outside; a bell tower, which can be climbed, with stunning views of the area; and the 11th-century Church of Santa Fosca stand by the basilica. This grouping of attractions makes the island a most convenient place to visit. We were surprised to learn that one wall of mosaics in the basilica was under restoration, but the written announcement was posted where visitors could see it before paying the entrance fee. We considered it quite worthwhile to still go inside.
We considered eating lunch on the island, but decided to wait until our next stop at the island of Burano. Places to eat on Torcello include the famous Locanda Cipriani, where a long list of notables, such as Ernest Hemingway, Queen Elisabeth II, Marc Chagall, Paul Newman, Julia Roberts and Steven Spielberg, have dined or stayed in its inn.
Unless spending a chunk of time in the Venice area, I would not recommend making a special trip here unless the island's atmosphere and basilica mosaics appeal. We have visited Venice many times and this was our first stop on Torcello. Too many other places and activities captured our interest. That said, after seeing the island, we wondered what took us so long to come to this destination.
Many tour operators offer excursions here, combined with other islands, but we opted to travel independently, carefully studying vaporetto schedules. Our itinerary involved going directly to Torcello, the northern-most point of Venice in the Lagoon; heading south to Burano Island; and then returning to Venice. As we stayed seven days in the area and had 7-day travel passes, we decided to also see Murano, an island very close to Venice, on another day.
To get to Torcello, we took Vaporetto 12 from Fondamenta Nuove, which took about 45 minutes. From Torcello, we caught Vaporetto 9, for the short 5-minute ride to Burano. A one-day travel card would be a cost-effective approach for using vaporetti on this trip.
Written February 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James C
Toronto, Canada3,368 contributions
Oct 2010 • Couples
Visiting the first island the Venetians fled to in order to take refuge from the invading Goths is a really neat way to spend a morning or an afternoon. Plan you trip so that you can either eat lunch after or before your trip to Torcello in Burano (I recommend Al Vecio Pipa). Torcello is a 5 minute vaporetto ride from Burano. It's a 15 minute stroll from the station to the church (Santa Fosca) which is really the only sight on the island. There is a fee to enter and a 'no photo' policy that is enforced. You are in the midst of building dating back more than 1500 years and you are on an island that used to be home to more than 20,000 people (before the mosquitos drove them away to the breezier islands now inhabited by Venetians and tourists). Rick Steves' guide has a good tour or the basilica in it and there is a guide book for sale in the gift shop. Watch out while walking around as the floors are on different levels throughout. For the history alone, it is well worth the time.
Written July 3, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
berver65
Brussels, Belgium127 contributions
Sep 2017 • Family
If you are staying 3 days or more in Venice, you should visit the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
I wouldn’t say that any of these 3 islands is unmissable but it’s the variety of these 3 that makes a nice trip (7/8 hours without any museum but with lunch and coffee break).
If you do plan this visit, I recommend you strongly to buy the Vaporetto pass which allow you to take as many rides as you want for a period of 24 hours from the time of your first ride (20€/person). When you know that it cost 7,50€ for a single ride (regardless of the distance), it’s worth it. At the end of your visit, you should head back to Saint Mark’s place where you should do the grand canal which will pass in front of nice houses and palaces hard to admire from the ‘ground’. From Murano, You can take the line 4.2 (about 10 stops) or the line 7 (3 stops I think). Be aware that the Vaporetti are frequently crowded and sometimes overcrowded. If you take the 4.2, you can get off when you reach the first stop in the North of Venice (P. de Nove) and go South on foot or stay in the Vaporetto and wait until it drops you off 15 minutes later.
If you still have time, you could go to Giudecca island ( long island in the South of Venice) before going to Saint Mark’s place because this island can only be reached by boat.
Consequently, to use this Vaporetto pass to the full, wake up early…
To reach the islands from Venice, you’ll have to reach the P. de Nove stop. If you come by Vaporetto, you have to get off and wait there to get another big one (Line 12).
Between the islands, there is a boat about every 20 minutes. Maybe, you can check the timetables before starting your visit.
TORCELLO
If you do visit like us the 3 islands, begin buy this one since it was our third choice I would say and at the end of the day there must be more boats passing buy Murano than Torcello.
First island with inhabitants and with the biggest population. Historical and religious heart of the lagoon. I advise you visit this island since it’s only 5 minutes away from Burano. There are some buildings and ruins dating back from the VII century for the most ancient parts. It used to be a very important christian place which hosted 20.000 people. Nowadays, only 20!
When you step out of the boat, make a right and follow the little canal which will lead you to the place. It’s about 5 to 10 minutes walking (look for the campanile).
There are some buildings to be visited (from 10:30am to 6pm from March 1st till October 31st ) :
- The Basilica (5€ and 2€ for the audio guide). First cathedral of Venice and oldest building of the lagoon. The actual building has been enlarged in 824 and rebuilt for a part in 1008.
- A small museum (3€) or the combined ticket for 8€ audio guide included.
- The campanile built in the XI and severely hit in 2008 by a lightning (5€).
In the Middle Ages, the island counted 10 churches but malaria has killed many inhabitants and most of the survivors moved to the island of actual Venice. Palaces and churches dismantled and parts used in palaces in Venice.
BURANO
About 40 minutes from Venice.
This fisherman’s village should be visited for the colors of its houses. 99% of them are painted in different bright colors which gives a special and original vision! At the origin, it seems like fishermen wanted to recognize their homes from far away after their working day…
Burano also seems to be famous for the lace. There is even a museum. Note that this lace museum and the glass museum of Murano are included in the Venice pass museum.
Lace work began during the XVI century in Italy and the lace from Burano was once famous in all Europe. At the beginning of the XX century, there was only one woman left who were practicing! Consequently, the city asked for some young girls to learn how to do it in order not to loose this know how.
If you want to buy one piece of lace, be aware that if it’s cheap, it might be done in a factory.
MURANO
Only 10 minutes away from Venice.
This island is very famous for its very old glass history. It started in the XI th century on the actual island of Venice but, in 1291, the glass industry has been moved to Murano island. First because they were too afraid that the furnace work might start a fire since at that time most of the houses were certainly in wood. Secondly, to protect the secrets of production.
The quality of glass
When you step out of the boat, go straight. Then about 50m on the left, you’ll see a door with ‘Furnace’ next to the door. I advise you to enter this shop since you’ll be able to watch someone producing live an object in glass. I have been impressed how fast this burning glass turned into a nice decorative object. Don’t expect to see many other places which will make these objects in front of you. I even saw someone that was working but said that this wasn’t a free demonstration place. Too bad for him because while I was watching him, my wife was looking at his products. At the end of my stay on this island, I think I have seen another furnace (Ellegi glass factory) but it was closed at 4:15pm.
If you have no plan of the island, when you are going out of this furnace/shop, make a left and when you’ll hit water, make a right. After 2 or 300 meters, you’ll see a bridge and cross it. Note that you will have to cross this bridge again on your way back and I suggest you to go straight this time for the return trip in order not to use the same track again.
So, continue your way and cross the next (big) bridge.
Then make a right and follow the river. After 300 m, you’ll see the glass museum if you want to and 100m further, you’ll hit the church of Maria e Donato which deserves a visit (donation) especially for the floor (pieces of marble of the Xii century). Look the outside of it on the river side (apse)!
After the visit of the church, you can cross this last bridge BUT you have to know that there isn’t any one left to bring you on the other bank at the end of your walk. Just be aware of it. You’ll have to return by the same way that you have come.
Luggages
If it was your last day just like us, if your hotel can’t keep your suitcases, you can leave them at a ‘Deposito bagagli’. That’s like a shop with an employee which will keep your stuff until 9pm for 7€/suitcase. There is one in front of the square where all the busses are waiting.
If you have appreciated these information, you can reward me with a useful vote
I wouldn’t say that any of these 3 islands is unmissable but it’s the variety of these 3 that makes a nice trip (7/8 hours without any museum but with lunch and coffee break).
If you do plan this visit, I recommend you strongly to buy the Vaporetto pass which allow you to take as many rides as you want for a period of 24 hours from the time of your first ride (20€/person). When you know that it cost 7,50€ for a single ride (regardless of the distance), it’s worth it. At the end of your visit, you should head back to Saint Mark’s place where you should do the grand canal which will pass in front of nice houses and palaces hard to admire from the ‘ground’. From Murano, You can take the line 4.2 (about 10 stops) or the line 7 (3 stops I think). Be aware that the Vaporetti are frequently crowded and sometimes overcrowded. If you take the 4.2, you can get off when you reach the first stop in the North of Venice (P. de Nove) and go South on foot or stay in the Vaporetto and wait until it drops you off 15 minutes later.
If you still have time, you could go to Giudecca island ( long island in the South of Venice) before going to Saint Mark’s place because this island can only be reached by boat.
Consequently, to use this Vaporetto pass to the full, wake up early…
To reach the islands from Venice, you’ll have to reach the P. de Nove stop. If you come by Vaporetto, you have to get off and wait there to get another big one (Line 12).
Between the islands, there is a boat about every 20 minutes. Maybe, you can check the timetables before starting your visit.
TORCELLO
If you do visit like us the 3 islands, begin buy this one since it was our third choice I would say and at the end of the day there must be more boats passing buy Murano than Torcello.
First island with inhabitants and with the biggest population. Historical and religious heart of the lagoon. I advise you visit this island since it’s only 5 minutes away from Burano. There are some buildings and ruins dating back from the VII century for the most ancient parts. It used to be a very important christian place which hosted 20.000 people. Nowadays, only 20!
When you step out of the boat, make a right and follow the little canal which will lead you to the place. It’s about 5 to 10 minutes walking (look for the campanile).
There are some buildings to be visited (from 10:30am to 6pm from March 1st till October 31st ) :
- The Basilica (5€ and 2€ for the audio guide). First cathedral of Venice and oldest building of the lagoon. The actual building has been enlarged in 824 and rebuilt for a part in 1008.
- A small museum (3€) or the combined ticket for 8€ audio guide included.
- The campanile built in the XI and severely hit in 2008 by a lightning (5€).
In the Middle Ages, the island counted 10 churches but malaria has killed many inhabitants and most of the survivors moved to the island of actual Venice. Palaces and churches dismantled and parts used in palaces in Venice.
BURANO
About 40 minutes from Venice.
This fisherman’s village should be visited for the colors of its houses. 99% of them are painted in different bright colors which gives a special and original vision! At the origin, it seems like fishermen wanted to recognize their homes from far away after their working day…
Burano also seems to be famous for the lace. There is even a museum. Note that this lace museum and the glass museum of Murano are included in the Venice pass museum.
Lace work began during the XVI century in Italy and the lace from Burano was once famous in all Europe. At the beginning of the XX century, there was only one woman left who were practicing! Consequently, the city asked for some young girls to learn how to do it in order not to loose this know how.
If you want to buy one piece of lace, be aware that if it’s cheap, it might be done in a factory.
MURANO
Only 10 minutes away from Venice.
This island is very famous for its very old glass history. It started in the XI th century on the actual island of Venice but, in 1291, the glass industry has been moved to Murano island. First because they were too afraid that the furnace work might start a fire since at that time most of the houses were certainly in wood. Secondly, to protect the secrets of production.
The quality of glass
When you step out of the boat, go straight. Then about 50m on the left, you’ll see a door with ‘Furnace’ next to the door. I advise you to enter this shop since you’ll be able to watch someone producing live an object in glass. I have been impressed how fast this burning glass turned into a nice decorative object. Don’t expect to see many other places which will make these objects in front of you. I even saw someone that was working but said that this wasn’t a free demonstration place. Too bad for him because while I was watching him, my wife was looking at his products. At the end of my stay on this island, I think I have seen another furnace (Ellegi glass factory) but it was closed at 4:15pm.
If you have no plan of the island, when you are going out of this furnace/shop, make a left and when you’ll hit water, make a right. After 2 or 300 meters, you’ll see a bridge and cross it. Note that you will have to cross this bridge again on your way back and I suggest you to go straight this time for the return trip in order not to use the same track again.
So, continue your way and cross the next (big) bridge.
Then make a right and follow the river. After 300 m, you’ll see the glass museum if you want to and 100m further, you’ll hit the church of Maria e Donato which deserves a visit (donation) especially for the floor (pieces of marble of the Xii century). Look the outside of it on the river side (apse)!
After the visit of the church, you can cross this last bridge BUT you have to know that there isn’t any one left to bring you on the other bank at the end of your walk. Just be aware of it. You’ll have to return by the same way that you have come.
Luggages
If it was your last day just like us, if your hotel can’t keep your suitcases, you can leave them at a ‘Deposito bagagli’. That’s like a shop with an employee which will keep your stuff until 9pm for 7€/suitcase. There is one in front of the square where all the busses are waiting.
If you have appreciated these information, you can reward me with a useful vote
Written September 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
niki101
London, UK764 contributions
Jan 2015 • Couples
We found a day trip to Torcello by chance. One morning, while we were walking around the Doge’s Palace, near the Bridge of Sighs, we noticed a little kiosk with adverts for trips to Murano, Torcello and Burano. The offer was intriguing - a ticket of 20 Euro takes to these three islands for a half a day. It’s definitely worth it.
From the three islands Torcello was my favourite place. How not? As soon as you get off the boat you begin feeling the island’s remoteness in time and space. You start walking and realise that there is only one way here – from the vaporetto to the basilica “Santa Maria Assunta” and back – all along the waterway, one of the last canals of Torcello. All hustle and bustle of glamorous Venice is behind you.
The island has only 11 residents at present and as you might guess, these are elderly. It was interesting to see some of them having a chat each other, not because we have not seen before people talking. These are the people that support life on the island to continue.
You have to use your imagination today to visualise what it looked here centuries ago. With palaces, churches and population of 20, 000, Torcello must have been a thriving island. It was from here that the first trading vessels sailed. It is said that the silted canals and malaria hastened Torcello’s decline. Today the island is quiet and not completely abandoned.
There are still remains of the former palaces of the 14th century and today they are home to Museo Provinciale di Torcello. There are few restaurants but no shops or school. One thing is abundantly here – a land for sale.
From the ferry dock, follow the long main canal on a 10-minute stroll to the main piazza. Along the way, you'll pass the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge), a rare example of a bridge without lateral supports. It was built in the 15th century (and restored in 2008). As each Devil's Bridge, this one has also its own legend.
They say that, during the Austrian occupation of Venice (1797–1849) a local girl fell in love with a young Austrian officer, but her parents forbade them to see one another and eventually they had the poor boy killed.
The distraught girl approached a witch to ask for her help, and the witch made a deal with the Devil on her behalf: Return the slain boy to life, and they would gather seven fresh new souls of children to replace his.
The devil held up his end of the bargain. He appeared as scheduled one night at the foot of the bridge with the boy. The witch appeared at the other end with the girl. The lovers dashed across the bridge and met in the middle to embrace... then ran away together. Now on the hook for seven souls, the witch asked for a week to procure them and the Devil agreed. Luckily for youngsters attached to their souls, the witch died before that next appointment.
They say the Devil still comes to the foot of this bridge on moonless nights, waiting at the far side for his payment. If you have time, step on the bridge and enjoy the view. It is a rare chance to feel the tranquil waters of the canal.
The Basilica Santa Maria Assunta is of historical importance. When you enter (admission of 5 Euro) the cathedral you are immediately struck by its solemnity and size.
Founded in the seventh century, today's cathedral mostly dates to an eleventh-century reconstruction. On the walls and apse are some magnificent mosaics which would make the trip worthwhile on their own: a lovely Madonna and Child on a gold background, and a scary depiction of the Last Judgement with details such as serpents crawling through skulls. There are stunning analogies with the Divine Comedy, had it not been the case that Dante wrote his oeuvre around a century after the completion of this sumptuous masterpiece.
It was fascinating to know that Torcello has had many famous visitors. Ernest Hemingway spent some time here in 1948, writing parts of “Across the River and Into the Trees”. The novel contains representations of Torcello and its environs.
The list of guests continues with Queen Elizabeth II and her mother, Princess Diana and many other royalties, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Omar Sharif, Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward, Sidney Poitier, Liza Minelli, Jack Lemmon and many more.
If you have a chance to visit the island, don’t miss it. As one of the book guides rightly put it: Here man has transformed and served nature, making it hospitable but not artificial. Perhaps therein lies the magic of the island.
From the three islands Torcello was my favourite place. How not? As soon as you get off the boat you begin feeling the island’s remoteness in time and space. You start walking and realise that there is only one way here – from the vaporetto to the basilica “Santa Maria Assunta” and back – all along the waterway, one of the last canals of Torcello. All hustle and bustle of glamorous Venice is behind you.
The island has only 11 residents at present and as you might guess, these are elderly. It was interesting to see some of them having a chat each other, not because we have not seen before people talking. These are the people that support life on the island to continue.
You have to use your imagination today to visualise what it looked here centuries ago. With palaces, churches and population of 20, 000, Torcello must have been a thriving island. It was from here that the first trading vessels sailed. It is said that the silted canals and malaria hastened Torcello’s decline. Today the island is quiet and not completely abandoned.
There are still remains of the former palaces of the 14th century and today they are home to Museo Provinciale di Torcello. There are few restaurants but no shops or school. One thing is abundantly here – a land for sale.
From the ferry dock, follow the long main canal on a 10-minute stroll to the main piazza. Along the way, you'll pass the Ponte del Diavolo (Devil's Bridge), a rare example of a bridge without lateral supports. It was built in the 15th century (and restored in 2008). As each Devil's Bridge, this one has also its own legend.
They say that, during the Austrian occupation of Venice (1797–1849) a local girl fell in love with a young Austrian officer, but her parents forbade them to see one another and eventually they had the poor boy killed.
The distraught girl approached a witch to ask for her help, and the witch made a deal with the Devil on her behalf: Return the slain boy to life, and they would gather seven fresh new souls of children to replace his.
The devil held up his end of the bargain. He appeared as scheduled one night at the foot of the bridge with the boy. The witch appeared at the other end with the girl. The lovers dashed across the bridge and met in the middle to embrace... then ran away together. Now on the hook for seven souls, the witch asked for a week to procure them and the Devil agreed. Luckily for youngsters attached to their souls, the witch died before that next appointment.
They say the Devil still comes to the foot of this bridge on moonless nights, waiting at the far side for his payment. If you have time, step on the bridge and enjoy the view. It is a rare chance to feel the tranquil waters of the canal.
The Basilica Santa Maria Assunta is of historical importance. When you enter (admission of 5 Euro) the cathedral you are immediately struck by its solemnity and size.
Founded in the seventh century, today's cathedral mostly dates to an eleventh-century reconstruction. On the walls and apse are some magnificent mosaics which would make the trip worthwhile on their own: a lovely Madonna and Child on a gold background, and a scary depiction of the Last Judgement with details such as serpents crawling through skulls. There are stunning analogies with the Divine Comedy, had it not been the case that Dante wrote his oeuvre around a century after the completion of this sumptuous masterpiece.
It was fascinating to know that Torcello has had many famous visitors. Ernest Hemingway spent some time here in 1948, writing parts of “Across the River and Into the Trees”. The novel contains representations of Torcello and its environs.
The list of guests continues with Queen Elizabeth II and her mother, Princess Diana and many other royalties, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Omar Sharif, Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward, Sidney Poitier, Liza Minelli, Jack Lemmon and many more.
If you have a chance to visit the island, don’t miss it. As one of the book guides rightly put it: Here man has transformed and served nature, making it hospitable but not artificial. Perhaps therein lies the magic of the island.
Written February 21, 2015
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I am afraid, I have not seen any of them on Torcello island!
Written August 19, 2019
5 - 6 hours would be good
Written October 6, 2017
Ad Agosto andrò 4 giorni a Venezia. Vorrei visitare in giornata le tre isole (Murano, Burano e Torcello) cominciando da quest'ultima. Da quale attracco mi consigliate di partire da Venezia? E' meglio acquistare un biglietto a tempo così da poter sfruttare l'intera giornata? Quanto tempo mi consigliate da impiegare nella visita di Torcello?
Written July 23, 2017
Visiting tomorrow the island and the catherdral. What are the clothing rules for the catherdral? Regarding women's and men's knees and shoulders?
Thanks!
Written May 30, 2017
do not remember any dress codes being asked for and certainly you will be ok with knees .
hope that helps ..enjoy ..its stunning !
Written May 30, 2017
Ya...there are some good restaurants offering lunch with nice ambience you can seat outside in garden also
Some are closed on monday
Written June 13, 2016
Water bus number 12 usually runs from
Fodemante Nove (Venice) to burano murano and torcello, each island is worth visiting.
Written August 29, 2017
Looking for best route by vaporetto from Ca' Rezzonice to Torcello
Written January 18, 2015
Hello! My husband and I were staying at a house in Venice and we bought a three day pass on the vaspertto. We just went to the stop closest to us that went to Torcello. Takes only 10-15 to get there. Very easy to get there. We didn't have a problem at all. Lovely resturants I the island as well. We ate at lovely cafe that had great reviews on trip advisor and we were pleased. Have fun and get ready to walk! Also, if you can cook, try the local aritchokes! Loved every minute of Venice and the islands! Thank you for asking!
Written January 19, 2015
Please suggest a route from San Marco Zaccara to Torcello
Written January 18, 2015
There is a nice walk through Venice to get to Fondamenta Nuove or you could catch a vaporetto to there. You need the line which goes to Burano and the final link is a very short 'across the water' hop to the neighbouring island of Torcello. This link goes from the same stop that you get off at, just check which platform to stand at. I think the easiest way is to get a vaporetto pass for the day, and plan the journey by map. If you buy the pass at a formal ATV office you can ask for a free routemap which is very helpful. The actual ferry between Burano and Torcello takes a couple of minutes tops. The vaporetto stop is covered and there is a cafe adjacent and I think the Torcello service is dedicated so you wont have long to wait.
Written January 19, 2015
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