Torcello is a small island in the North Lagoon of Venice, just beyond Burano and Murano. It is believed to be where the city of Venice began more than 1,500 years ago. The island was once the most important and populated island in the Venetian Lagoon, with over 20,000 residents. However, it was hit by an outbreak of malaria that decimated the population and power was moved to Venice.
The main reason for visiting Torcello is to see the spectacular Byzantine mosaics in the seventh-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell’Assunta. The cathedral was built in 639 and has a tall 11th-century bell tower that dominates the skyline. Inside the cathedral are stunning Byzantine mosaics from the 11th to the 13th centuries.
You can get to Torcello by taking the LN Water Bus line from Fondamenta Nuovo or San Zaccaria, which takes approximately 50 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a Vaporetto from Burano, which takes only 5 minutes.