Torcello located 6 miles north-east from Venice is a group of a few islands mostly dominated by agricultural fields and green areas where less than 20 people reside permanently. A lively city of 20.000 people back to the 16th century with many buildings including well endowed monasteries, Torcello utterly vanished. At the present only two major historical buildings induce visitors to reach this secluded place, they mostly spend a short time and keeping an eye on their watches not to miss the return waterbus.
Although Torcello is the perfect place for those wishing to spend a few hours and get acquainted with its unique lagoon environment and way of life and this is the intention of this tour.
After arriving there either by public or private transportation let your guide take you first to visit a private home and its property facing the open lagoon. Meet the owner and get to know how is it living in such a secluded place, what are the main field produces and his efforts with other locals to promote Torcello as a quality tourist destination.
Next we’ll get to visit the 1008 years old cathedral, an historical and artistic vestige of Torcello’s earliest history housing the oldest mosaic in the area and most related to the Byzantine tradition. Climbing the church’s bell tower is a must with a good day, from the top you’ll enjoy the greatest vista over the entire lagoon (staircase access only). This will be the perfect place to recall the very beginning of Torcello as safe harbor for the Roman citizens fleeing from the mainland invaded by the barbarian tribes.
Lunch will be next is just a matter of choice picking one of the few but very good restaurants or if you feel easy going a sandwich or a light meal will serve.
Finally will end our stay in Torcello navigating around it for a while through the low waters and along the marshes in a typical fishing boat run by locals. Get to explore the water environment then, learn about its particular habitat and the fishing techniques still the same since the first inhabitants settled there. If you’re four in your party and you wish to do this, the boat ride can be done in a beautiful classic motorboat.
Notes:
- to reach Torcello public or private transportation is needed.
- in high season this tour has to be booked well in advance
- you can decide whether to do all the features described or less.
- contact us for a full description, details and final pricing
