Torcello, Historic island in Venice Lagoon, Italy
Torcello is a small inhabited island in the northern Venetian Lagoon that features a medieval cathedral and several ancient structures. The island connected to neighboring areas through waterways and has retained much of its original form over the centuries.
Settlement began in the 5th century when mainland people sought shelter in the lagoon from invading forces. It grew into one of the lagoon's oldest communities and thrived as a trading center for many centuries.
This former trading hub and bishop's seat shaped the character of its buildings and layout over many centuries. Walking through its narrow paths today, visitors sense the weight of its past importance in every corner.
Visitors reach the island by water ferry from nearby Burano, with regular service throughout the day. Comfortable walking shoes are essential since exploring the island involves mostly pedestrian paths.
A stone seat in front of the cathedral hints at medieval administration in mysterious ways. Though some call it a ruler's throne, its actual purpose remains debated by those who study it.
Location: Venice
Elevation above the sea: 2 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
GPS coordinates: 45.49506,12.41220
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00
Venice offers many opportunities for photos. The city sits on over one hundred small islands connected by canals and bridges. The Grand Canal curves through the historic center, lined with palaces from different centuries. The Rialto Bridge spans the canal at its narrowest point and has served as a major crossing since the 16th century. St. Mark's Square forms the center of the city, with St. Mark's Basilica, the campanile, and Doge's Palace. The Bridge of Sighs connects the palace to the former prison cells. On the surrounding islands, you can find other landmarks: Burano displays brightly painted houses, Murano is known for its glass workshops, and Torcello preserves Byzantine mosaics from the early Middle Ages. The Cannaregio district in the north houses the Jewish Museum and quieter canals away from the main routes. The Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute stands at the entrance to the Grand Canal and shapes the city's skyline.
Venice is naturally suited for romantic getaways, with its winding canals, historic palaces, and squares full of history. This selection gathers places that make the city so popular among couples: Saint Mark's Square with its basilica and campanile, the Bridge of Sighs where tradition invites you to kiss in a gondola, or the quays of Fondamenta delle Zattere stretching along the Giudecca Canal. The Grand Canal, the main artery measuring 3.8 kilometers long, reveals 170 palaces built between the 13th and 18th centuries. This collection also includes characterful accommodations set within authentic Venetian residences. The Gritti Palace occupies a 15th-century palace overlooking the Grand Canal, while Ca' Bonfadini features its frescoed salons in the Cannaregio district. To extend your stay, the La Fenice Theatre offers opera performances in a restored 18th-century setting after the 1996 fire. San Giorgio Maggiore island, accessible by vaporetto, allows you to view the city from its campanile with an unobstructed perspective over the urban area.
Torcello Cathedral
655 m
Santa Fosca
603 m
Pont du Diable
362 m
Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Altino
5.3 km
San Martino
1.3 km
Burano Lace Museum
1.3 km
Fort Treporti
4.9 km
Chiesa della Santissima Trinità
4.8 km
Sant'Antonio
758 m
Monastery of San Tommaso dei Borgognoni
359 m
Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Caterina
1.3 km
Ex-église Santa Maria delle Grazie
1.3 km
Museo provinciale di Torcello
635 m
Ponte dei Tre Ponti (Burano)
1.1 km
Litorale Sant Erasmo
4.4 km
Campanile of San Martino
1.3 km
Saint John the Evangelist Abbey
306 m
Ponte Terranova
1.3 km
Ponte de le Capuccine
1.3 km
Ponte Pontinello
1 km
Ponte Santi
1.3 km
Ponte San Mauro
1.1 km
Ponte Santa Maria
525 m
Ponte del Diavolo
358 m
Ponte Assassini
1.1 km
Ponte Vigna
1.2 km
Ponte longo
819 m
Fondamenta della Pescheria
1.2 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes