Santa Fosca and other Torcello, Italy Things to Do Tips

Santa Fosca Torcello

by suvanki , 3 more photos

This attractive late Byzantine style church was built between the 11th and 12th centuries, and was intended to be a 'martyrion' - for the purpose of holding the body of the martyred St Fosca, whose remains now lay under the altar, after being carried from Libya to Torcello around 1011.

Although the church was closed during my visit, I enjoyed walking around its exterior.

For some reason it reminded me of Agia Sophia in Trabzon, Turkey, which I'd visited in 1993. Probably due to its design, and partly for all the relics displayed around and nearby.

If I had seen inside, I would have found it to be in the Greek Cross style of plan. It also boasts an external colonnade.

Open Daily 1000-1230 and 1400 -1700

Free admission

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Address: Torcello North Lagoon Venice
Directions: Vaporetto LN from Fondamente Nuova Venice or Faro (lighthouse) Murano

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Things To Do: The Chair of Attila, Atillas Seat , Attilas Throne

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Updated by suvanki

on Nov 2, 2009

Attilas throne

by suvanki

This white stone seat is also known as Trono di Attila.

It is formed from a single piece of stone and is a popular place for taking pics of partners and friends posing!
It is found on the patch of grass near to the museum and opposite the Santa Fosca.

Local legend says that anyone sitting in this seat will be married within the year! - I didn't know about this until after my visit - I didn't sit on it! - Oh and surprise -I'm still not married

Historians are uncertain as to its origins and purpose, but it is widely believed to have been used either by Torcellos consuls in open air assemblies, a judges or Bishops chair, or even as the 5th century Attila, the king of the Huns throne.

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Address: Torcello North lagoon Venice
Directions: Follow the path from the vaporetto, and You'll soon reach a patch of grass surrounded by relics, in front of the museum.

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Things To Do: Basilica di Santa Maria dell' Assunta

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Updated by suvanki

on Nov 2, 2009

Basilica di Santa Maria dell'

Assunta

by suvanki , 1 more photos

This 'Cathedral' is recognised as being the oldest building in the lagoon and Venice. - it was founded in 638. Although no longer functioning as a cathedral, it does hold mass on Sundays through the summer, plus weddings and some religious festivals .

Visitors come here not just for its historical and architectural attraction, but to climb the campanile, for views over the island and beyond. I'm afraid I missed out on this experience, as it was closed at the time of my visit.

The Basilica is of Architectural interest, in being the best example of architecture from the middle ages, where Italian and Byzantine styles are in balance. It was re constructed extensively in the 9th century, and again around 1008.

Its 3 aisles are typically Latin. The blind arcading on the facade and apses, the square campanile are thought to have been created by stone masons from Lombard.

Further features of interest are the stone shutters held on stone hinges to be found on the side windows, and a baptistery located in front of the main portal - its foundations are the only evidence today.

The internal decoration is probably more of Byzantine influence - with 13th century mosaics (depicting Christ and the Apostles, the Virgin and Child and the Last Judgement), marble paving, and iconostasis - (altar screen) among some of the many treasures on display.

Sadly The Basilica was closed when I visited, So I'll have to return one day.

Open daily April - October 10.30 - 17.30 November - March 10.00 - 1700

Admission according to my 2004 guidebook - 3 euros, 4 euros for Basillica and campanile, 6 euros for Basilica, campanile and museum

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Things To Do: Ponte del Diavolo or Pontecello del Diavolo

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Updated by suvanki

on Nov 2, 2009

Ponte del Diavolo Torcello

by suvanki , 1 more photos

The Devils Bridge, or Devils Little Bridge is to be seen while walking from the Vaporetto station to the Basilica, museums etc.

According to legend, the bridge was constructed by the devil over one night

It is undergoing renovation and repair. Amusingly, it appears to be taking a lot longer to repair than to build. It's been at least 2 years, and didn't appear to be nearing completion.

It is one of the few remaining bridges around Venice and the lagoon, that doesn't have parapets.

Many of the older bridges around Venice, have had parapets added over the years.

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Things To Do: Look at the statues!

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Written by suvanki

on Jan 21, 2008

by suvanki , 2 more photos

After looking at the churches, I came across these statues in a small courtyard and then a few more in the vegetable garden

I was quite fascinated by them. For some reason the statue in the 2nd pic reminded me of Ozzy Osbourne in his Black Sabbath days.

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Things To Do: Spot the Wildlife!

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Updated by suvanki

on Feb 1, 2009

Torcello cat

by suvanki , 4 more photos