Torcello

Torcello is a sparsely populated island at the northern end of the Venetian Lagoon with an interesting history — Venetians fled to the island during the barbarian invasions, and the island at one point was more powerful (and more populated) than any other in the Lagoon. Today, though, Torcello is one of the quietest islands, with only about a dozen permanent residents. People visit these days to stroll along the long canal, and admire the Byzantine mosaics in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell'Assunta. It makes a nice last stop on a Venetian island tour, since it's so green and peaceful.