Stability problems of the church of Santa Fosca on Torcello island

The church of Santa Fosca in Torcello can be defined as a unicum, thanks to its singular plan organization as well as to its particular spatial configuration. Its origins are still unknown. Although in the present configuration no heavy and massive masonry dome is present, many cracks and discontinuities are still visible in this Venetian church. Thus, through the examination of the past interventions, compared to a recently performed survey of cracks and discontinuities, the reasons of the structural problems that endanger this important monument are investigated. By means of a deeper knowledge of the structural behaviour, this contribution aims at the monument preservation from further damages and at a deeper insight into its obscure and intricate origins as well.