Torcello, the republic's original island settlement, was largely abandoned due to malaria and now counts only around 14 permanent residents. Its mosaic-clad Byzantine church, the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, is Venice's oldest.
Torcello, the republic's original island settlement, was largely abandoned due to malaria and now counts only around 14 permanent residents. Its mosaic-clad Byzantine church, the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, is Venice's oldest.







