During your trip to Venice, I recommend a visit to the Basilica. Santa Maria Assunta.
Here you'll discover unique works of art and magnificent architecture typical of the city's buildings.
Let's visit the basilica together.
Santa Maria Assunta: article summary
Why visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta?
Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta on the island of Torcellois like stepping back in time to Venice. It's a spectacular example of Venetian Byzantine architecture, and symbolizes the rebirth of the citizens of nearby Altino, who fled the Lombards in 639.
Mosaics are the protagonists of this place. Indeed, the Last Judgment mosaic on the counter-façade alone is worth a trip to the island of Torcello. I can assure you thatit's unlikely you've seen this kind of mosaic anywhere else.
A journey between art and history
In typical Venetian-Byzantine style, this cathedral, so simple on the outside, conceals prestigious marble and gilded mosaics on the inside. It was built in 639 following the transfer of the episcopal see from Altino to Torcello. In 1008, the cathedral was enlarged and renamed Santa Maria Assunta.
Inside the Basilica of Torcello, you can admire one of Northern Italy's most important mosaic cycles. Of particular note is the Last Judgment, an exciting visual story that makes you reflect on the meaning of life after death.
Through the mosaics, you can feel the strong link with the East, as also transpires through the precious iconostases (icon paintings). which divides and separates the presbytery from the rest of the church.
Things not to miss in Santa Maria Assunta
Admire the beauty of the mosaics in the main apse, with the Virgin Hodiguitria and, below, the series of Apostles. Climb the steps to the presbytery and approach the high altar: it contains the remains of St. Eliodoro, Altino's first bishop. Admire the 15th-century iconostasis and the ambo composed of antique marble from different periods.
Before setting off again, stop off at the majestic 13th-century Last Judgment mosaic. It resembles a huge comic-book page that explains and tells you, from cover to cover, the story of Christ's return at the end of time, when he defeats death and shatters the gates of hell, calling the righteous to himself.
Further information on the mosaic in Santa Maria Assunta
In Judgment Day, Hell is made up of seven squares corresponding to its seven circles. Can you distinguish the sins represented according to the punishment they must endure?
In the large box, there are those punished for excessive pride, and below, from left to right, the lecherous, the gluttonous, the hot-tempered, the envious, the greedy and finally the lazy. A infernal vision representative of Alighieri's work.
What are the opening hours?
You can visit the Basilica:
- Monday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. November 1 to February 29
- Monday to Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. March 1 to October 31
Please note that the building is closed on December 25 and January 1.
A visit to the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is a must if you're ever in Torcello. Here you can discover a major work of art and enjoy the peace and quiet. What you need escape the tourist crowds for a visit.
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