Torcello
...visited by tourist coming from all over the world and count on an inestimable archaeological patrimony from the Roman era.
Since 638 the isle of Torcello was one of the ancient and prosperous establishment of the Lagoon: this small Isle could count on 20.000 inhabitant, it was an important trade centre and well known for the wool working. The population began to move to Venice when the condition of the lagoon slowly but inexorably changed, the pollution and dirt coming from the two main rivers, the Sile and the Piave decreased the water level causing malarial fevers.
Many of the buildings were dismantled and rebuilt on safer sides. Today the island is absolutely safe, however The ancient splendour are gone.
Amongst the most important places to visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta, considered the oldest church of the Venetian lagoon, the actual shape is dated year 1.000 and it is characterized with a mosaic representing the last Judgement, and the stone curtains of the large windows.
The constant increase of trades between Venice and the Orient on the IX and the XII century the Venetian buildings were influenced by Byzantine Art that can be found in Torcello, on the Church of Santa Fosca, build On a Greek cross shape. Symbols of the island are also the Throne of Attila, probably reserved to whom administrated the justice and the ponte del diavolo (devil bridge) characterized by the missing parapet .
The island is easily reachable by public boat from the close Burano island. From spring to Autumn is quite frequented by tourists and Venetians, whom loves to get far from the noisy crowd of the city to enjoy the beautiful colour of the lagoon. Also Ernest Hemingway lived part of his life on this oasis of peace.
