Torcello Island

Torcello island is located in Venice’s Lagoon and near Burano Island. Although rural and largely deserted, it is not without its charms. The island is known for its greenery, mosaics and attractions like Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta and Chiesa di Santa Fosca.

Given the sparse population, you will find clusters of trees and greenery everywhere. The Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta and the Chiesa di Santa Fosca are the most-visited here for their simplistic, ancient, wooden look, which fits in with the rest of the island and the beautiful Byzantine mosaics. The museums here are also worth visiting. Found in the 5th century, the island was very populous back then. It was the centre for trade with the Byzantine Roman Empire. However, much of the population was wiped out due to a malaria outbreak. Today, it only has 30 or so inhabitants. Another attraction here, apart from the churches, is the stone throne of King Atilla. Some Medieval period artefacts are on display in the museums. There’s also a small bridge on the island, famously called the “Devil’s Bridge”. Be careful while crossing as it doesn’t have any railings.