Torcello
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Visiting the semi-deserted island today, it is hard to imagine that Torcello was once a thriving community of 20,000 souls.
The island was actually inhabited long before Venice and its economy revolved around the manufacture of wool. However, by the 15th century decline had set in and trade and the population quickly dwindled. In the 17th century there were no more than a few hundred people living on Torcello and today there are just twelve. The few buildings to survive from Torcello's days of glory are gathered around the island's only piazza. In addition to the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the church of Santa Fosca, there are two secular buildings from the fourteenth century. On the north side of the piazza stands the Palazzo dell'Archivio, while on the west side stands the Palazzo del Consiglio complete with a tiny bell-tower, which was used to summon citizens to meetings. Both buildings are now part of the Museo di Torcello. Torcello is also home to the Ponte del Diavolo, the Bridge of the Devil, one of only two such bridges (the other is the Ponte Chiodo in Venice) in the entire lagoon to survive without a parapet. |
View from the campanile
Ponte del Diavolo
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