Torcello Editorial Photo

Founded in the 5th century, Torcello is even older than Venice and was a very important island in ancient times. Those days are long gone, today only a few dozen innkeepers, farmers live on the largely abandoned island. The main reason for visiting the island is to see the spectacular Byzantine mosaics in the seventh-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell`Assunta. Much of the island is a nature reserve, accessible only on the walking paths.