In this article, I present Torcelloa small island in the Venetian lagoon with a fascinating history.
Here you'll find
- Information about the town and its history
- How to reach Torcello easily
- An excursion to discover the main Venetian islands
- Fares and what's included in the ticket
- Practical tips to make the most of it
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Torcello, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Torcello: article summary
- Torcello, the uninhabited island of wonders
- What to see and do in Torcello
- What does the Torcello excursion include?
- How to reach Torcello easily?
- Torcello: Rates, reservations, opening hours, practical information
- Where to eat in Torcello
- Can you sleep in Torcello?
- What to see and do in the Torcello area
Torcello, the uninhabited island of wonders
If visit Venice should keep you busy for a long time, as the Sérenissime is packed with exceptional monumentsIt would be a shame not to take advantage of your stay to discover the wonders of the surrounding area. Among them, the island of Torcello is a small hidden paradise, which I invite you to visit!
Introducing Torcello
The island of Torcello, located in the north of the Venice lagoonis the neighbor of the famous Murano and Buranoand certainly the least well-known of the three.
If Murano is famous for its glassblowers and Lace Burano is famous for, it's the glorious past and the vestiges on the island of Torcello that should make you want to visit.
It's worth noting that today there is only one a few dozen inhabitants so you can explore the island with complete peace of mind.
But a few centuries ago, Torcello was the lagoon's most populous island. From the 6th century onwards, it became a refuge for inhabitants fleeing invaders (Huns, Lombards, etc.) and was home to up to 10,000 inhabitants in the 10th century.
Wool and salt were exploited here, and the port became an important crossing point on the lagoon. During this period, Torcello acquired the status of the most powerful island in the area, in stark contrast to the peace and quiet it enjoys today.
The decline of Torcello
As early as the 12th century, the town began to its decline and the inhabitants move to neighboring islands or to Venice. The main reason is siltation of landwhich hinders navigation, as well as a malaria epidemic that will wreak havoc.
And while the town of Torcello may seem desolate at first glance, with its 0.441.7 km2 where you don't meet many people, it hides a few wonders that deserves your full attention.
To discover them, you can take part in a 6-hour excursion, which allows you to visit both Torcello, Murano and Burano.
Let me tell you more!
What to see and do in Torcello
With its peaceful appearance, this small island is an invitation to take a stroll, a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of Venetian life. Here are a few suggestions
A stroll along the canals
Stroll along the canals and enjoy the island's verdant nature is an excellent way to discover it.
Its peaceful atmosphere should delight you, and it's a real breath of fresh air when you come from busy Venice, where it's hard to find a quiet spot.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
This cathedral dates back to 639 and was built under the Roman Emperor HeracliusThis makes it one of the oldest religious buildings in the entire Veneto region. It's a true witness to the island's glorious historical past, and hides some real treasures.
You can spot it from a distance, with its campanilewhich lost its highest part when struck by lightning in 1640.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta will be restored several times over the centuries, and its interior bears witness to its rich history. Highlights include the Byzantine mosaics depicting the story of Jesus and the Last Judgment, the cobbled floor and the marble pillars supporting the upper part.
On the sober exterior, you'll see the narthex (a kind of internal portico that you pass through before entering the church) and the tower, at the top of which you can climb. After a few minutes' ascent, you'll be treated to an impressive view of the marshes and surrounding lagoon!
- Ticket: 5 euros / 3 euros for the campanile
Santa Fosca Church
Built between the 11th and 12th centuries built on the remains of a martyrium (which housed the remains of martyrs), this church in the shape of a Greek cross was intended to house the relics of Saint Fosca and Saint Maure from what is now Libya.
It is attached to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, to which it is linked by a portico, and its architecture bears witness to the Venetian-Byzantine style typical of many religious buildings in the area.
Very sober, since this religious building was used for meditation, it is well worth a visit in combination with the previous one.
The Devil's Bridge and its legend
In Torcello, I invite you to learn more about the history of the Pont du Diable The stories differ, but one legend has it that no one was able to build the bridge, until an architect made a deal with the devil; the bridge was built, but the devil took the soul of a baby in its mother's womb in exchange... Other sources simply refer to the name of a local family - the Diavoli (Italian for devils) - who could have built the bridge.
According to recent archaeological excavations, it dates from the XVth century. It spans the Torcello canal, and since its restoration in 2009, it no longer has any parapets. So be careful when crossing it! These parapets served a safety function when the town was more densely populated, but now we're relying on the caution of a few pilgrims.
Good to know another bridge without a parapet can be found in Venice: Chiodo Bridgelocated in the Cannaregio district.
See Attila's throne
In front of Santa Maria AssuntaThe famous Throne of Attila is a nice little curiosity in Torcello...even if it seems that Attila never made it to Torcello!
This throne dates back to the 5th century, when Attila led his terrible conquests, but he stopped his troops at Aquileia in Friuli, after a long battle. the Sack of Aquileia in 452 AD. The Emperor of the Uns would never have sat on this throne!
According to the most recent sources, this seat was used by Byzantium's Magister Militum (the chief of soldiers of the Eastern Roman Empire) during meetings held in Torcello.
However, another legend lends its appeal to Attila's throne: it is said to bring joy and fertility for women who want to have children!
Visit the Provincial Museum of Torcello
Find out more about the history of TorcelloIf you'd like to discover a wealth of archaeological remains, superb paintings and period sculptures, why not pay a quick visit to the Torcello Museum, whose entrance fee is included with that of the cathedral? Santa Maria Assunta.
Ernest Hemingway's Locanda Cipriani
This historic inn was home to the writer Ernest Hemingway in 1948, when he was writing his novel Over the river and under the trees.
It has been in existence since 1935, and the Cipriani family who run it are the originators of another famous Venetian establishment: Harry's Bar ! It was here that two of the region's specialities were invented, and are still very popular today: Carpaccio and Bellini !
The Andrich artist's house
This small private museum is open to visitors by appointment on Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays. It's a place very originalwhere you can see various works by the painter Lucio Andrich, in a breathtaking natural setting.
All around you, there's nothing but lagoon and flamingos, and you can even eat a dish of freshly caught fish pasta!
- Ticket price: 20 euros
- Opening hours: from 3 p.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays
What does the Torcello excursion include?
Torcello is full of little treasures and if you can get there on your own, it's possible to spend a whole day surveying this island and its famous sister islands, as part of an organized outing.
You can opt for a 6-hour excursion, visiting Torcello, Murano and Burano, to discover the special features of this region. these 3 lagoon islands very different from one another. The tour includes :
- Visit boat trips from Venice and between the 3 islands
- A visit to 30 minutes to 2 hours of each island, to take the time to stroll
- A audio guide with information on the history and highlights of each island
- A guide (in French) that gives you the explanations you need to understand what you're seeing
In Torcello, you can admire the superb Santa Maria Assunta cathedralbuilt in 639 (the oldest building in the Venetian lagoon), with its incredible Byzantine mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries. the neighboring campanile If you climb to the top, you'll have a breathtaking view of the surrounding area!
Torcello's landmarks include :
- Attila's thronewhich would have been used by the Hun leader during the invasions of the 5th century
- Devil's Bridge with its typical Venetian shape, which is associated with several legends
- Santa Fosca church and its Greek cross, symbolizing the Byzantine influence on the area.
Torcello has many well-kept secrets, and this excursion is a great way to discover them! If you're looking to get away from the tourist hustle and bustle from the center of Venice, this excursion will be a breath of fresh air!
What to see on the other islands we visited
On the same tour, you can discover :
- the island of Burano with its colorful fishermen's houses and unique lacework. It's considered the prettiest island in the Venetian lagoon and resembles Venice, only smaller, quieter and more atypical!
- the famous Murano islandfamous for its glassworks and glassblowers. You'll be able to watch craftsmen practicing their ancestral art, which is unfortunately being lost and could disappear, and discover Murano's basilica, its emblematic lighthouse and the astonishing Glass Museum.
Good to know This is not a guided tour! You're free to wander around the islands as you please, within the allotted time. So you can choose what you want to see or do, according to your own interests.
How to reach Torcello easily?
If you opt for the excursion to the three lagoon islands, all you have to do is go to the starting point located at the following address Ponte della Paglia, 30122, Venice
Simply present your ticket at the Shore Excursionlocated between the Doge's Palace and Hotel Danieli, before embarking. To reach this departure point, you can use :
- A vaporettogetting off at the stop Marco-S. Zaccaria (line 1)
- The water cab (Motoscafo), getting off at the stop Monumento
- On foot, if your hotel is located in the center of Venice
If you wish to reach Torcello on your own, you can use the vaporetto lines. n°9 and n°12, departing from Fondamenta Nuove or San Zaccaria. It's a 45-minute drive from Venice.
Good to know Vaporetti tickets are expensive, but you can save a lot of money by opting for a single vaporetti ticket. a Vaporetto Passwhich allows unlimited use of public transport.
Torcello: Rates, reservations, opening hours, practical information
Here's all the information you need to discover Torcello and the other islands in the Venetian lagoon with this complete excursion.
Rates and booking
- Adult ticket: €25
- Children's ticket (3 to 5 years): 15 euros
- Free for children under 2
Reservations are compulsory and can be made online for your convenience. You'll receive your tickets immediately on your mobile devices, and all you have to do is present them at the ticket office to start this superb ride!
Opening hours
Excursion to Torcello, Burano and Murano begins at 11 a.m. and is available every day. Don't forget to come to the ticket office about 30 minutes before departure.
Useful info
Bring a bottle of water in case of hot weather if you take part in this tour in summer. For those visiting Venice in winterThe boat is covered, so you can enjoy the ride even if it's raining or snowing.
Where to eat in Torcello
If you want to enjoy fresh fish or Venetian specialties in a natural setting away from the crowds, Torcello is a very good choice. There are a number of good restaurants, including the following two.
La Locanda Cipriani
- Address: Piazza Santa Fosca 29 Torcello
- Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11.45 a.m. to 3 p.m. / lunch and dinner service (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.) Fridays and Saturdays
- Rates: approx. 100 euros / person
As mentioned above, Locanda Cipriani is one of Torcello's must-visit establishments, appreciated by gourmets for over 100 years.
The service is optimal, a setting as refined as it is romantic and the high prices are justified by the quality of the dishes. From cod croquettes with tomato and basil cream to marinated salmon tartar with avocado, Cipriani-style cannelloni, Torcello risotto with estuary vegetables, a set of grilled fish with herbs or veal carpaccio with the chef's sauce, you're in for a treat.
This is the place to be if you're looking for a excellent restaurant on the outskirts of Venice.
To Attila's throne
- Address: Via Borgognoni 7a, 30142 Torcello
- Opening hours: daily lunch service, evening service also on Fridays and Saturdays from May to September
- Prices: approx. 30 euros / person
This trattoria is an excellent choice for more moderate budgetswith excellent value for money. The setting is attractive, the staff very friendly and the food is delicious, right on the water.
I recommend the tasty fish and seafood dishes, and the homemade tiramisu, which should delight those with a sweet tooth.
Can you sleep in Torcello?
Yes, although there are few accommodation options available in Torcello. Most visitors prefer a hotel in Veniceto enjoy the center of the Serenissima during their stay.
You can stay at the Locanda Cipriani (from 100 euros/night), or choose the option presented below.
Bed and Breakfast Ca 'Torcello
- Address: Fondamenta dei Borgognoni, 9, 30142, Venice
- Rates: on request
This former fisherman's cottage is now a family-run inn where you'll feel right at home. just like home. The place is soothingly calm and the rooms magnificent, with a garden that really gives the impression of being cut off from the world.
What to see and do in the Torcello area
After visiting Torcello, you'll have no trouble keeping busy on the Venetian lagoon. In addition to visiting Burano (10 minutes by vaporetto) and Muranoyou can :
- Discover the island of Sant'Erasmoalso known as the Garden of Venice. For its beaches, or for a pleasant cycling session!
- You will return to Cavallino-Treportito discover hamlets such as Lio Piccolo or Mesole and its old convent.
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