Save Venice’s ongoing conservation of the 11th-century mosaic floor in the presbytery of Santa Maria Assunta on Torcello has enabled archeologists from the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio per il Comune di Venezia e Laguna to carry out excavations. Much is still unknown about the archeological history of Torcello and this sacred landmark, which is the oldest surviving church in the Venetian lagoon, and these in-depth investigations led by Superintendency Archeologist Dr. Sara Bini led to exciting discoveries.

The archeologists uncovered floor and wall remains in the presbytery dating back to different eras, the oldest of which is currently thought to date to the 9th century. The findings are now being analyzed to determine how these remnants relate to each other and to the subsequent enlargements of the presbytery throughout the centuries. Following the excavation, a subfloor is being installed which will support the restored mosaic floor following Vitruvian building practices defined in the 1st century.

Save Venice’s conservation of the presbytery floor began in late 2023. The mosaics were carefully secured and picked up in sections and are now undergoing treatment led by master restorer Giovanni Cucco and his team. Beginning this fall, the roof of the church will undergo an urgently-needed intervention funded by the Catholic Diocese of Venice, which will entail the installation of scaffolding throughout the interior. Following the completion of that work, the restored mosaic floor will be reinstalled in 2025.

Save Venice is still seeking $280,000 in support for this major campaign. General donations welcome; contact kim@savevenice.org for more information and to receive a Sponsor Benefit Package.