Torcello, Italy Postcard

When you visit Venice, don't forget the lagoon islands. This view is of Torcello, the northernmost of the three major lagoon tour islands (Murano, the glass island, Burano, the lace island, and Torcello). Today, Torcello is a glimpse into Italy's past. The image in this photo shows a quiet canal reflecting the 200-foot tall, biscuit-colored, rectangular bell tower of Santa Fosca, one of the two ancient churches on the island. Also reflected against the hazy blue sky are the brick and white churches at the left of the image, with yellow boats moored below them. A curved bridge arches over the canal, joining the scene to an area of brownish-green trees above green grass and a curved section of stone builkhead; all making the canal into a mirror. If you visit Torcello, be sure to take in the 11th and 12th century mosaics inside the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. Viva Italia! Photo copyright Gail Storrs 2006.