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Torcello island

Fondamenta dei Borgognoni, Venezia, Veneto

Description

Torcello is an island at the eastern end of the Venetian Lagoon, close to the Veneto "mainland". Historically, it was one of the first islands in the lagoon to be settled, as early as the 5th century. For many centuries, it was a much larger trading center than Venice, but its economy was severely impacted by the various waves of plague in the 14-16th centuries and by the increasing swamp areas which made navigation difficult so that traders stopped calling at the island. The full-time population is now only... 10-15 persons (Vs several thousand during the Middle Ages). The highlights of Torcello include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (founded in the 7th century) with its mosaics, the provincial museum (Museo Provinciale di Torcello) housed in two 14th-century palaces, and the small Devil's Bridge.

Access & Transport

The island is 8km from the city, about 1km from Burano (and 5km from the Marco Polo international airport as the crow flies) The main departure point is Fondamente Nove in Cannaregiom using line 12 (or N, at night). Line 9 also connects Burano to Torcello and line 12 to Murano (from there it is possible to link up to Puna Sabbioni, on the West Coast of Cavallino-Treporti, with line #14)

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining a visit to Torcello island with either Burano Island (#9, 12, N) or the Murano islands (#12, N to/from "Faro" stop)

Meta review

The island is seldom featured in travel magazines or even blogs. Apart from the cathedral, online reviews are average; visitors enjoy the relaxed and slightly back-in-time feel of the place but there are ultimately few sights, especially when weighted against the time it takes to get there by vaporetto. As for the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta visitors highlight the great views from the campanile and the quality of some of the byzantine artwork inside but regularly complain about the €5 entrance fee charged even though maintenance is poor.

Environmental & Social

Mostly low carbon footprint besides the crossing by vaporetto. Only feels commercial during Venice's peak tourist season

Conclusion

Torcello is worth a quick exploration for its history and main church but, considering the time investment, we would only recommend it when combined with either Burano or Murano.

Key positive

Impressive Cathedral architecture

Key negative

A bit time consuming to get there

Only one major sight

Suitability

Wheelchair users will need assistance to cross the various small bridges

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 10m

est. visit time:2h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€12.5
Adult
18 - 64
€12.5
Child
6 - 17
€12.5
Infant
0 - 5
€0
Equivalent to 50% of the price of vaporetto 1-day pass (other 50% covered by Burano or Murano)

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