The island Torcello is one of the oldest settlement area in the Venetian lagoon. The floor of a 1st century Roman villa had been discovered under the surface of the sea. In the 10th century the island was richer than Venice. It had more than 10000 inhabitants, but today not even 20 are left. Last testimonies of its rich history are the church Santa Fosca and the neighbouring cathedral Santa Maria Assunta with mosaics from the 7th and 12th century.