The island was settled in 452 CE, and its population grew to about 20,000 in the 10th century. In the 14th century, the swamp area around the lagoon expanded, reducing its effectiveness as a trading port, and increasing the risk of malaria. People began to move to Venice and other islands. The Black Death of 1575-77 and the Italian plague of 1629-31 accelerated the decline of the population. In 2014, it was home to only ten permanent residents.

Vaporetto from Venice and Punta Sabbioni.

• 45.495112.41231 Torcello vaporetto stop. (updated Mar 2022)

Map of Venice/Torcello

The island is small and entirely walkable. The cathedral, museum, and inns are a 10 to 15-minute stroll down Fondamenta Borgognoni, a path along the canal, from the vaporetto stop. You can also take a gondola down the canal to the cathedral.

• 45.4985112.418261 Archaeological Museum (Museo archaeologico), Palazzo del Consiglio (Vaporetto line 12 to Torcello), ☏ +39 041 730761. Nov-Feb: 10:00-17:00; Mar-Oct: 10:30-17:30. Collection of Greek and Roman finds, archaeological finds from the estuary from Paleo-Veneto and Etruscan periods. €3..0, reduced €1.50.  
• 45.4983312.419312 ^{[dead link]} Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (Torcello Cathedral), ☏ +39 041 730119. Nov-Feb: 10:00-17:00; Mar-Oct: 10:30-17:30. Precious mosaics, dating from Byzantine times, in the oldest cathedral in the lagoon of Venice. Campanile closed for restoration. Adults €5, reduced €4.  
• 45.4981512.418753 Chiesa di Santa Fosca. Has the form of a Greek cross, which is surrounded by a semi-octagonal porticus. (updated Mar 2022)

• 45.4972712.416711 ^{[dead link]} Osteria al Ponte del Diavolo, Fondamenta dei Borgognoni, 10/11, ☏ +39 041 730401, fax: +39 041 730250, [email protected]. Tu–Su 11:00-17:00, dinner by reservation. €25–50. (updated Jun 2015)
• 45.496712.415652 Ristorante al Trono di Attila, Via Borgognoni, 7/A, ☏ +39 041 730094, [email protected]. Lunch daily; May-Sep: evenings F Sa and by reservation (min. 8/10 people). (updated Dec 2022)

• 45.4978212.417931 Locanda Cipriani, Piazza Santa Fosca 29, ☏ +39 041 730150, fax: +39 041 735433, [email protected]. Mar to Dec, restaurant closed Tu. A rustic and romantic 5-room inn that has hosted several famous guests, including Ernest Hemingway, who wrote Across the River and into the Trees here. Rooms have no TVs but instead a small selection of books. Also has a popular restaurant (reservation required). From €140 per person per night; half-board €50 extra. (updated Jun 2015)

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