Generously sponsored by Howard and Roberta Ahmanson.

The Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta on the island of Torcello is the oldest surviving church in the Venetian lagoon, with origins dating to the 7th century, when a simple three-aisled rectangular structure with a single apse at the east end was first erected. In 864, the basilica was enlarged through the addition of two smaller side apses and a crypt beneath the central apse. A final major building phase, dating to the 11th century, brought significant transformations: a fourth aisle was added on the north side of the church, the floor was raised and paved with new mosaics, and the present square bell tower was constructed at the rear of the basilica. This phase also saw the installation of an iconostasis featuring thirteen painted panels and four marble plutei carved in relief.

For decades, Save Venice has been committed to safeguarding this extraordinary heritage site, leading major conservation efforts to ensure its survival for future generations. In celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary in 2021, a landmark campaign focused on the restoration of the basilica’s central apse and crypt. During this ambitious project, conservators reinforced the structure and repaired both the interior and exterior brickwork. In the process, the removal of a 17th-century altar in the crypt revealed a remarkable surprise: hidden fresco fragments, some embedded within the layers of fill material behind the altar and others still clinging to the ancient wall itself—a rare glimpse into the site’s early painted decoration.

Preliminary studies have revealed that the wall bears three distinct layers of frescoes, the earliest of which may date as far back as the 9th century—contemporaneous with the crypt’s original construction. The next phase of conservation will focus on stabilizing these fragile surfaces and safeguarding what remains of their intricate decorative program. Through ongoing scientific analysis, specialists aim to uncover the frescoes’ chronological sequence, determine their full extent, and deepen our understanding of their historical and artistic significance.

Unidentified Artist
Fresco Decoration
9th century, frescoes