Torcello Island

Torcello is the oldest continuously settled island in the Venetian Lagoon and, paradoxically, one of its quietest, a place where a powerful early-medieval town of perhaps 20,000 people has dwindled to a handful of residents amid reedy marshes. Settled from the 5th century by mainlanders fleeing barbarian invasions, Torcello flourished as a trading and ecclesiastical centre before malaria, silting harbours, and the rise of Venice itself drained away its population. What survives is a hauntingly atmospheric scatter of monuments reached along a single canal-side path from the boat landing. The crown jewel is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639 and rebuilt in the 11th century, whose interior holds some of the most spectacular Byzantine mosaics in Italy: a towering golden 'Last Judgement' covering the entire west wall and a serene Madonna and Child on the apse's gold ground. Beside it stand the small church of Santa Fosca and a campanile that visitors can climb for sweeping views across the lagoon to Venice. In the grassy piazza sits the so-called 'Throne of Attila', a stone seat of uncertain origin, and a small museum displays archaeological finds. A visit takes two to three hours, ideally combined with neighbouring Burano. Torcello has almost no crowds, no shops to speak of, and only a few eating places, including the famous Locanda Cipriani; visitors should bring water and time their return boat. The cathedral and bell tower charge modest separate fees, while wandering the island is free. Reached by vaporetto via Burano on line 12, Torcello offers a contemplative, history-soaked escape from the bustle of Venice in Italy's Veneto region, prized by those seeking quiet and exceptional early Byzantine art.