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The most evocative island in the lagoon and the first settlement
for the original inhabitants, refugees fleeing from the collapse
of the Roman Empire. Amazing to think that this little island
once had 20,000 inhabitants before the onset of malaria.
The
11th century cathedral, originally founded in 639, has a fortified
appearance. The solemn interior is dominated by two of the
greatest mosaics in Italy, the overpowering Last Judgement on
the entrance
wall facing the Madonna in the apse, where the Virgin appears
as a Byzantine empress against a glittering gold background.
The restoration of these mosaics is another of the triumphs
of Venice in Peril. The charming centrally planned church of
Santa
Fosca from the 11th century stands next to the cathedral.
Vaporetto
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No 14 from San Zaccaria |
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