Oldest Venetian Church Unearthed by Ca' Foscari Archaeologists at Altino

Archaeologists from Ca' Foscari University have unearthed the oldest known church in the Venetian territory at the Altino archaeological park, likely a bishop's complex built between the late 4th and mid-5th century AD. The rectangular church, measuring about 30 by 20 meters, lacks an apse and faces east, with an adjacent porticoed building possibly serving as the bishop's palace, evidenced by trachite stone foundations. The discovery supports theories that Venice's origins stem from a gradual, organized transformation rather than sudden flight. The site, located near the old Altino museum, will be open to the public Saturday at 10:30 am. Excavation directors Diego Calaon and Elisa Possenti note the find confirms Altino's status among major late-antique Italian episcopal centers, though the baptistery remains undiscovered.