Church of Santa Fosca

The Church of Santa Fosca is a church dedicated to Saint Fusca of Ravenna, located on the island of Torcello, in the Venetian Lagoon, part of the complex of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

Saint Fusca of Ravenna was a child martyr killed along her nurse, Maura, around 250 AD, in Ravenna, under the persecutions of the Roman Emperor Decius.

SHORT HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF SANTA FOSCA

It seems that a church dedicated to Santa Fosca existed on this site since the first half of the 9th century.

Around the year 1000, the building was part of the larger project promoted by the Bishop Orso Orseolo, for the reconstruction of the entire complex of the Cathedral.

The building received its current appearance around the 12th century, when it was rebuilt to house the relics of the christian martyrs Fosca and Maura, brought from Sabratha, in Africa.

Church of Santa Fosca

ARCHITECTURE OF THE CHURCH OF SANTA FOSCA

The church, with a circular plan, is an example of the Venetian-Byzantine style. It stands outside the remains of the ancient city square, next to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the remains of the ancient baptistery.

The church is surrounded on five sides by a portico. The arches are supported by columns with elegant Byzantine capitals.

The interior has a Greek cross plan, with three naves and apses. The interior is dominated by a circular dome, while the decorative motifs are influenced by the Byzantine style.

HOW TO GET TO THE CHURCH OF SANTA FOSCA

You can reach the island of Torcello with the waterbus Line 12. The waterbus Line 12 makes the connection to Venice, Murano, Burano, Treporti and Punta Sabbioni.

The Church of Santa Fosca is located about 650 meters away from the only waterbus stop on the island of Torcello, or about 10 minutes on foot.