Basilica of Torcello: Byzantine Mosaics and Millennial Atmosphere

Have you ever heard of the Basilica of Torcello? Have you not? Then now is the right time to read this article and find out more about the sacred heart of the lagoon!

The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is a beautiful Byzantine church in the Venice lagoon with a centuries-old history.

Every year, many visitors travel as far as Torcello precisely to visit this gem that holds splendid mosaics inside.

Read on to find out all there is to know about the Basilica of Torcello: its history, its splendid Byzantine mosaics and what to see inside.

Wait! Book your organized tour of the islands of the lagoon online: you can travel without having to think about anything as you discover the lagoon!

Brief history of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption

The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello | ID 228359672 @ Alberto Masnovo | Dreamstime.com

The church of Santa Maria Assunta was born many centuries ago: think that its construction began in 639!

Initially the church was called St. Mary Mother of God and was desired by the Hexacra of Ravenna Isacio, a Byzantine politician.

Following the Lombard invasion, in fact, it served a new episcopal see after the fall of Altino, an ancient city now part of Venice.

Before long this area became the heart of the Duchy of Venice, and so the cathedral was expanded in 826.

Considering the growing fortune of the area, there was a third rebuilding in 1008, and this time the church was also reconsecrated and thus assumed the name Santa Maria Assunta.

For centuries Torcello was of fundamental religious and political importance, but in the 15th century the town fell into ruin and the island found itself almost abandoned.

However, the Basilica retained the episcopal chair until 1818 when the diocese of Torcello was suppressed and subjected to that of Venice.

Today the Basilica is included in the parish of Burano and, as in the past, attracts many visitors every year-that’s why it has been restored five times!

The last time was in 1972-85: not only the architecture but also the mosaics received attention. Finally, in 2018 the same restorer overhauled the mosaic cycle.

The mosaics: a masterpiece of Byzantine art

Mosaics contained within the basilica | ID 124892415 @ Silviacrisman | Dreamstime.com

This church is a true wonder of the lagoon and attracts many visitors each year, both for its architecture and for the mosaic cycles contained within.

A very important place from a historical and artistic point of view, it is a precious testimony to Byzantine art in Italy.

What perhaps most draws the attention of its admirers are the mosaics, a typical Byzantine technique: for many years at the turn of the 11th and 12th centuries , the most impressive cycles of mosaics in northern Italy were located here .

Today, unfortunately, the decoration of the tympanum of the triumphal arch has been lost, but the others have been well preserved.

The apse depicts a Madonna Odigitria, or “leading” in Byzantine Greek, dating from the second half of the 12th century.

Our Lady, in fact, is depicted pointing with her right hand to the baby Jesus in her arms. Below her are the 12 Apostles, but these date instead to the 11th century.

The counter façade is one of the most appreciated parts: divided into six levels it represents cycles. The first two depict the Crucifixion and Resurrection, while the other four depict the Last Judgment.

These mosaic cycles are dated between the 11th and 12th centuries by Venetian masters and are considered among the most fascinating and appreciated mosaics in the world!

As forthe Crucifixion, the Madonna and St. John the Evangelist are also depicted in the first level.

The second tells of the Resurrection with an imposing Christ trampling the devil and a procession in his wake.

From the third level begins the Last Judgment, admirable in the mandorla of light. On the fourth level is the adoration of the empty throne that will house Christ.

Particular is the fifth level in which the weighing of souls, a frequent theme, is depicted: on the left you can see heaven while on the right you can see hell.

Finally, the sixth level ends the description of the two places presented in the fifth level. Altogether these mosaics are artistic testimonies of incredible splendor.

What to see inside

The interior of the Torcello Basilica | ID 129171757 @ Silviacrisman | Dreamstime.com

In addition to its fantastic mosaics, the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is also appreciated for its architecture and interior structure.

First of all, this Basilica is characterized by a peculiarity: it is entered through the right side door and not through a main entrance.

Its interior is divided into three naves, each of which has 18 columns with Corinthian-style capitals and all built with Greek marble.

Of course, the first thing that will jump out at you is the counter-façade with the two mosaic cycles representing the Last Judgment: a huge mosaic with the very figure of Jesus at the top.

Inside you will also find Byzantine capitals and bas-reliefs depicting peacocks and lions placed on the iconostasis, which is the partition separating the naves from the chancel.

Although not in perfect condition, here you will also find a series of panel paintings attributed to the late-Gothic style painter Zanino di Pietro.

Finally you will find the high altar in the center of the apse containing the remains of St. Heliodorus, or the first bishop of Altino.

The altar was rebuilt in 1923 using the original parts, and a very important stone inscription is preserved on its left.

It dates back to the foundation of the church and is fundamental to the history of the lagoon as it is the earliest document of Venetian history!

Frequently asked questions

Conclusions

While reading this guide, were you amazed at the photos of the mosaics? Trust me, admiring them in person will take your breath away even more!

We discovered together the secrets of the Torcello basilica, the Byzantine church in Venice that contains beautiful mosaics.

I then told you what the interior of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta looks like and the history of the basilica.

Have you visited the wonderful Basilica of the Assumption yet? Tell us about your experience and what you thought of the incredible Byzantine art!

Book your organized package that contemplates a visit to Torcello: you cannot say you have explored the lagoon without admiring what was its political and religious heart!