Island and flourishing ancient city in the Laguna Veneta (Venice Lagoon), Italy. Founded in 452 AD by refugees from Altino on the mainland, Torcello was the head of an association of the communes of the lagoon until the seat of government was moved to the Rialto in 811. Excavations revealed an important glassmaking center and the remains of a 6th-7th century kiln that was producing a great range of glass tablewares.