The gorgeous weather we are currently enjoying is both making me look forward to our adventures in Northern Europe next month and think back fondly to our time in Italy earlier in the the year. I'm sure I'll be sharing about both visits for a good long time, so if you like travel posts, you're in the right spot. If not, I'll try to make sure there's plenty of book / food / London / home stuff too!
I've written already about our lovely trip out to Burano, and today it's time to share a few shots from our visit to another of the islands of Veneto, the charming little isle of Torcello. Further out from Venice than the more famous Murano and Burano, it's still a beautiful little spot, and riding out on the vaparetto across the waters of the Venetian Lagoon was a treat in the spring sunshine.
Settled in 452, Torcello is a beautiful island, rich in history. All around there are curious houses, little bridges (including the popular photo spot above, the Ponte del Diavolo, with no handrails), and snippets of different eras. The full-time population is now estimated to be more than 10 but less than 100, but in pre-Medieval times Torcello was a more powerful trading post than Venice itself.
One of the primary draws to Torcello now is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639. It has lots of 11th and 12th century Byzantine work, including mosaics.
When we visited there were lots of French schoolchildren taking in the many historic sites.
Torcello has a literary history as well. Daphne du Maurier made it the background for her famous short story 'Don't Look Now', and all around were whispers of a storied past.
The Island has long been a refuge for artists, creators and writers, most famously Ernest Hemingway, who spent a time here in the 1940s.
Far quieter than the other islands we visited, and with a wistful faded glamour all its own, I really enjoyed strolling around Torcello and taking in the sights. It's well worth a look if you're spending time in Venice, but if you're stretched for time I'd do Murano and Burano over it, simply as there's more to see and do. If you have a couple of hours to spare, however, I'd definitely add it to your plans!
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Looking for more travel posts?
I loved the beauty and history of Santa Maria Novella, in Florence
Manchester is always a good idea. Love that city, such a warm and welcoming place, always.
Sometimes travel involves not moving at all. Touring a Royal Caribbean cruise ship with Katy and Charlie was such fun!
