Torcello Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the historic island in the Venetian Lagoon
Table of Contents
Torcello
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Latest page update: 7 September 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where is
Where is Torcello?
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The island of Torcello lies in the Venetian Lagoon to the north east of Venice, the main island of the lagoon and the capital of the Veneto region. It's most famous sight is Torcello Cathedral.
A first glance at the map may suggest this is a rather inconspicuous outpost of the Lagoon area but it was the first of the 118 neighbouring islands to be settled in the 5th century. |
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Torcello - frazione di Venezia
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Comune: Venice
Province: Metropolitan City of Venice Region: Veneto Population: around 15 Highlights: Torcello Cathedral, Attila's Throne, Chiesa Santa Fosca Close by: Burano, Cavallino Treporti, Lido di Jesolo, Murano Fly to: Venice Marco Polo Airport Recommended accommodation: Casa Burano Experience |
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Venice and its Lagoon
Year: 1987
Venice and its Lagoon
Year: 1987
What People Ask About Torcello
Is Torcello worth visiting?
How do I get to Torcello from Venice?
What is Torcello known for?
How long should I spend on Torcello?
Is Torcello crowded?
Related links
Discover
Discover Torcello
Torcello's famous cathedral
The Cathedral has no greater claim to fame than being the oldest surviving building in the Lagoon. The church was originally founded in the 7th century with much of the existing Byzantine structure created around 200 years later. The interior of the church is dominated by a series of extraordinary mosaics while to the rear of the building there's a huge bell tower that you can climb to get some of the best views of the Lagoon region.
Much of the view from the top is taken up by large swathes of agricultural land or simply green fields. Although the island has a number of bars and restaurants to cater for its visitors, it only has around 15 permanent residents.
This is quite a remarkable fact when you consider there were as many as 30,000 people living on this same island at its peak. The population drain started when the island's topographical characteristics became a breeding ground for malaria with the island all bu deserted by the 15th century.
Much of the view from the top is taken up by large swathes of agricultural land or simply green fields. Although the island has a number of bars and restaurants to cater for its visitors, it only has around 15 permanent residents.
This is quite a remarkable fact when you consider there were as many as 30,000 people living on this same island at its peak. The population drain started when the island's topographical characteristics became a breeding ground for malaria with the island all bu deserted by the 15th century.
Torcello's other sights
Malaria is no longer a problem and the island is a popular spot, not just for its cathedral but for the pretty church next to it, the Chiesa di Santa Fosca. Part of the roof structure of the Chiesa di Santa Fosca is joined to the facade of the Cathedral and one can easily be forgiven for thinking they're part of the same complex. Santa Fosca however, was built a few hundred years later than the Cathedral.
Directly opposite Santa Fosca is an innocuous-looking rock which turns out to have a name: Attila's Throne. The origin of the name is disputed but not thought to be connected with Attila the Hun. There are however, two nice legends attached to the stone.
The first is that if you sit on it you'll return to Torcello one day, and the second is that whoever sits on it will be married within a year. This of course makes it a popular spot for couples taking photos of each other sitting on the rock, sometimes with a glum face at the prospect of impending doom.
In the same area of the Trono di Attila are a series of buildings belonging to the local museum. The Museo Provinciale di Torcello displays archaeological artefacts and items from the island's distant past.
A series of canals run through Torcello and the one that remarks the main thoroughfare eventually leads down to the water bus jetty, passing a few restaurants and souvenir shops along the way, as well as a bridge called the Ponte del Diavolo (the Devil's Bridge), possibly because it has no side walls and can make you a feel a bit queasy.
Directly opposite Santa Fosca is an innocuous-looking rock which turns out to have a name: Attila's Throne. The origin of the name is disputed but not thought to be connected with Attila the Hun. There are however, two nice legends attached to the stone.
The first is that if you sit on it you'll return to Torcello one day, and the second is that whoever sits on it will be married within a year. This of course makes it a popular spot for couples taking photos of each other sitting on the rock, sometimes with a glum face at the prospect of impending doom.
In the same area of the Trono di Attila are a series of buildings belonging to the local museum. The Museo Provinciale di Torcello displays archaeological artefacts and items from the island's distant past.
A series of canals run through Torcello and the one that remarks the main thoroughfare eventually leads down to the water bus jetty, passing a few restaurants and souvenir shops along the way, as well as a bridge called the Ponte del Diavolo (the Devil's Bridge), possibly because it has no side walls and can make you a feel a bit queasy.
Along the Strada della Rosina
This main thoroughfare is called the Strada della Rosina and heading back to the jetty, a short distance after the bridge there are two restaurants, one after the other. Taking the turning along the country path after the second restaurant eventually leads to the Casa Museo di Andrich. This is a special type of house museum where the host, Paolo, will recount the history of the island while showing you round.
Torcello can be reached by using the Venice Water Bus Vaporetto system and from the main island of Venice the journey time is around 35 minutes, boarding at the Fondamenta Nove jetty and taking the Line 12 route.
Given the proximity of the wonderful island of Burano, it almost makes no sense to visit one and not the other. From Torcello it's just a 5 minute hop to Burano on either of Line 12 or Line 9, the latter of which is the route between just those two islands.
Torcello can be reached by using the Venice Water Bus Vaporetto system and from the main island of Venice the journey time is around 35 minutes, boarding at the Fondamenta Nove jetty and taking the Line 12 route.
Given the proximity of the wonderful island of Burano, it almost makes no sense to visit one and not the other. From Torcello it's just a 5 minute hop to Burano on either of Line 12 or Line 9, the latter of which is the route between just those two islands.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Torcello
- Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta is Torcello’s most famous landmark, renowned for its stunning Byzantine mosaics dating back to the 11th century. Visitors can admire the intricate gold and glass designs depicting religious scenes, which are among the oldest in the Venetian Lagoon.
- The Cathedral’s Bell Tower offers panoramic views over the lagoon and nearby islands. Climbing the tower provides visitors with a unique perspective on Torcello’s peaceful surroundings and historic landscape.
- The Church of Santa Fosca is located adjacent to the basilica and features a distinctive Byzantine cross-plan architecture. Its serene interior and simple design provide a contrast to the basilica’s ornate mosaics, enriching the visitor experience.
- The Torcello Museum displays artefacts uncovered on the island, including sculptures, inscriptions, and everyday objects from its early settlement period. The museum helps visitors understand the island’s long history and cultural significance.
- Guided walking tours and boat trips explore Torcello’s archaeological sites, historic churches, and natural beauty. Local guides share stories about the island’s past as one of the earliest settlements in the lagoon, its rise and decline, and its role in Venetian history. These tours often include visits to nearby islands and opportunities to enjoy local cuisine.
Tours and Activities
Torcello Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Torcello Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Torcello
- Burano (approx. 3 km southwest of Torcello): Known for its brightly coloured houses and lace-making tradition, Burano offers visitors a picturesque setting with charming streets and local shops. Key attractions include the Lace Museum and the peaceful canals, making it a tranquil and visually stunning destination.
- Pellestrina (approx. 8 km south of Torcello): A long, narrow island, Pellestrina offers a more relaxed atmosphere with sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages, and beautiful coastal views. Visitors can enjoy a slower pace, explore the island's natural beauty, and take in the views of the Venetian Lagoon.
- Murano (approx. 9 km west of Torcello): Famous for its glass-making tradition, Murano is home to the Museo del Vetro and numerous glass workshops. Visitors can explore the island’s historic churches, like the Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato, and enjoy the scenic canals that add to the island's artisanal charm.
- Venice (approx. 13 km southwest of Torcello): The iconic city of Venice is known for its canals, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore St. Mark’s Basilica, Rialto Bridge, and the Doge’s Palace, or simply wander through the city's narrow streets to discover hidden gems and local cafes.
- Chioggia (approx. 30 km south of Torcello): Often referred to as "Little Venice," Chioggia is a charming town with canals, colourful buildings, and a lively fish market. The town's quaint streets and historic landmarks, such as the Chiesa di San Giacomo, offer a peaceful alternative to the busier islands and provide beautiful views of the coastline.
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Veneto Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Veneto
1. Venice 2. Lake Garda 3. Verona 4. Padua 5. Burano 6. Vicenza 7. Bassano del Grappa 8. Cortina d'Ampezzo 9. Chioggia 10. Soave 👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Veneto |
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Torcello
By Rail: Torcello does not have its own train station. The nearest rail access is at Venezia Santa Lucia, with direct Trenitalia services from major cities including Milan (2 hours 30 minutes), Florence (2 hours), and Bologna (1 hour 30 minutes). From the station, visitors can take a vaporetto to Fondamente Nove, then transfer to Line 12 towards Burano, continuing with a short connecting boat to Torcello.
By Road: As with most islands in the Venetian Lagoon, cars are not allowed on Torcello. Travellers arriving by road should park in Venice at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto. From there, vaporetto services provide access to the northern lagoon, with transfers available for the final leg to Torcello. The drive from Verona to Venice takes around 1 hour 30 minutes via the A4 motorway.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
Burano: A short passenger boat connects Burano to Torcello in under 10 minutes. Services operate regularly throughout the day, providing the final leg of the journey from Venice.
Venice (Fondamente Nove): Vaporetto Line 12 connects Venice to Burano in around 45 minutes, where passengers transfer to the Torcello boat. This combined route is the most common way to access the island using public transport.
By Road: As with most islands in the Venetian Lagoon, cars are not allowed on Torcello. Travellers arriving by road should park in Venice at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto. From there, vaporetto services provide access to the northern lagoon, with transfers available for the final leg to Torcello. The drive from Verona to Venice takes around 1 hour 30 minutes via the A4 motorway.
Nearest International Airports:
- Venice Marco Polo Airport: Located about 15 kilometres from Venice, the journey to Torcello takes around 1 hour 30 minutes by a combination of water transport. Water taxis and Alilaguna boats connect the airport to the lagoon.
- Treviso Antonio Canova Airport: Approximately 40 kilometres away, with a travel time of about 45 minutes to Piazzale Roma by road. From there, vaporetto and boat transfers continue to Torcello.
Ferry Connections:
Burano: A short passenger boat connects Burano to Torcello in under 10 minutes. Services operate regularly throughout the day, providing the final leg of the journey from Venice.
Venice (Fondamente Nove): Vaporetto Line 12 connects Venice to Burano in around 45 minutes, where passengers transfer to the Torcello boat. This combined route is the most common way to access the island using public transport.
