Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral,was built in 639 by the Ravenna's exarch, Isaacio. The admission is 3 euros. The building had restorations in 864 and 1008 but the present construction looks typical of the Veneto-Byzantine age. The church inside is solemn with a floor made by rich marble mosaics. Above the "Porta Maggiore" (Main Gate), is located the wonderful mosaic titled "Christ's Aphoteosis" and "Last Judgement", a real masterpiece attributed to Veneto-Byzantine school (twelfth century). On the apse is the mosaic "The Virgin and the Apostles".

The remarkable art of the mosaic was brought into Veneto region by the Romans during the early Christian age. But its best examples are still the mosaic floors of Aquileia, in Friuli region (4th cen.). The mosaic was brought much later in Torcello and into some abbeys located in the lagoon, from the 6th cen.. The artists of mosaic that worked in Torcello have been probably the same that created the fantastic mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica.

This cathedral represents the most ancient monumental building in Venice's Lagoon. Are remarkable some curious and huge shutters located outside that repair the windows on the side of the building. Paying an additional charge to the church's admittance it is possible to visit the bell tower (eleventh century), climbing a ramped stairway you get a really nice view of Torcello.

On the right side of Torcello square is the Santa Fosca Church, built between the eleventh and the twelfth century. Outside is mirable a porch on five sides and inside it is possible to see the strict pentagonal apse. This small building is admirable for its proportioned dimensions and for the armony of the architectonic elements. Beyond this small but nice church is remarkable the rest of the Baptistery (circle shape, medieval age). During the high tide the sea water gets inside, reminding us that we are still in the lagoon.

Stop at the celebrated Locanda Cipriani that hosted many famous people, among them Queen Elizabeth II, Price Charles and Lady Diana, the soprano Maria Callas, Italy's President Sandro Pertini, the actor Charlie Chaplin, the novelist Ernest Hemingway (the list would be much longer). Hemingway stayed many times at the locanda since 1948. Here in Torcello he loved to relax and from here he started his hunting-parties. In this property the American author wrote the novel "Across the River and Into the Trees". Try the risotto alla torcellana, the zuppa di pesce (fish soup) in the garden.

Beyond the locanda are available some kiosks selling souvenirs and lace made in Burano. Then you get to the unpaved main square in Torcello, covered with grass. From this place it is possible to see the last important buildings remaining today. First you see "Attila's Throne", a seat made in white marble probably used by Torcello's bishop or by the local tribune long time ago. There is no witness about the seat has been really used by the Huns' army leader, that plundered the Po Valley in 452. In the square is remarkable a nice well-curb as well.

In front and on the left side of the square is mirable the Council Palace in gothic style (built during the fourteenth century and at that age seat of the local government), and the Archives' Palace. Both buildings constitute the Torcello's Museum, an archaeologic collection of Latin, Byzantine and medieval ages, all its finds were discovered on the island.