Attila’s Throne

On the island of Torcello, in the square in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, there is an ancient stone chair named Attila’s Throne.

One legend has it that, during the Huns invasion of Italy, their King Attila, known as the Scourge of God, arrived on Torcello, where the inhabitants of the nearby Roman city of Altino found refuge, and used the throne. In reality, Attila never set his foot on the island.

Another legend says that if you sit on the throne, you will certainly return to Torcello sooner or later, but our suspicion is that it has nothing to do with the stone… If it happens to come back to Torcello at some point, you will do it just because this wild island remained in your heart.

SHORT HISTORY

Though it is named Attila’s Throne, the chair has nothing to do with the King of the Huns. The stone chair dates back to the 5th century, when the first settlers arrived on the island.

The throne probably served as the seat of the Bishop of Torcello or that of the governor of the island.

HOW TO GET THERE

You can get to Torcello by waterbus, with the Line 9, from Burano, or with the Line 12, from Venice. The Attila’s Throne is located about 600 meters away from the waterbus stop on the island.