The Venice Church List: Start with #1

Santa Maria Assunta on the island of Torcello

I’ve been asked a couple of times; “How many churches are there in Venice?” The correct answer is; “That’s a good question.” I started by doing some research in books, tourist info sites, and online and no matter where I looked all of the answers were different. Some of the lists included all of the churches in the entire history of Venice, while other lists only included the churches that are still standing and in use today as actual churches. So, for easy math, let’s say 150. If you have the time and want to visit them all, it would definitely make for an interesting trip through Venice history, but if you want to see where it all started, then start with the first Venice church…EVER.

Located on the island of Torcello you can find Santa Maria Assunta that was founded in the 7th century. It was rebuilt in the 11th century and contains a collection of wonderful Byzantine mosaics. The most impressive dome in all of Venice can be found here with the mosaic of the Madonna set on a pure gold background…truly something to see.

While you’re there, check out some of the other important relics from island’s past that are collected in the main square, including Attila’s Throne and the Torcello Museum

The island of Torcello itself isn’t what it used to be, orignally the living area of nearly 20,000 people it now is home to less than 100 inhabitants. The island itself is somewhat overgrown and delapidated looking, but it makes for a wonderful excursion from the overcrowded streets of Venice.

To get to the island, take the #12 Vaporetto.