Torcello is another island across the lagoon from Venice. A small island once heavily populated by the Veneti. It is said that they do not receive enough of a breeze and this caused malaria from the mosquitos in the still waters. However, there is jewel on the island that we had the fortune of visiting on our way back from Burano. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta was built in 639 and still contains its 11th and 12th century mosaics. They have been restored and are beautiful as you can see in the picture above. The cathedral is made of light brick with many windows and is the most welcoming ancient church I’ve ever seen. It evokes a sense of calm and peace upon entering the space. The outside of the cathedral is seen in the bottom left picture. The top left picture is of a chapel in the same complex, the Church of Santa Fosca. It is the final resting place of Saint Fosca and is unusual for its round shape.