Torcello, Venice


	Torcello One of Venice's "out islands" and 40 minutes away by vaporetto, Torcello makes an interesting trip for its vast contrasts with Venice. On this sparsely populated island, whose importance was eclipsed by the rise of Venice, you'll see not only farmers' fields, cypress trees, and palms, but also the Cattedrale di Torcello, originally founded in 639 and reconstructed in 1008. An arresting Byzantine mosaic of the Madonna and Child fills the apse, contrasting with another, entirely forbidding mosaic of the Last Judgment on the opposite wall. In front of the church is a museum and the Church of Santa Fosca, originally built in the 7th century and reconstructed around 1000. The cathedral (Tel. 730 084) is open daily, 10 AM-12:30 PM and 2:30-6:30 PM; there is a nominal admission charge. Address: Venice Italy