Isolated in the middle of the lagoon, Torcello was once an important city and seat of a bishopric but was progressively abandoned from the 10C onwards as it gradually silted up and experienced a series of malaria epidemics. Slowly the island returned to its natural state and today it has no more than around a dozen inhabitants. However, it still draws visitors thanks to the exceptional mosaics in Santa Maria Assunta basilica, and has an evocative charm which makes it a pleasant place to visit.