Sic transit gloria mundi.

Jeffrey Smith has a magnificent pictorial post up about one of my favorite places on Earth, the island of Torcello in the Venetian lagoon.

Once home to 20,000 people, it is now inhabited by less than 100. Hemingway loved it, too, and rightfully so.

Jeffrey's pictures focus on the Basilica, which confirmed my love for all things Byzantine, as I've pointed out ad nauseum.

Here are a few more, which emphasize just how quiet the island has become over the last millenium:


A view from the Basilica. [Credit.]

Walking up to the piazza. [Credit.]

And, finally, the bridge over the canal. Those aren't handrails--the bridge isn't that big. A bit more of a precarious walk than depicted. [Credit.]