Murano

Just like Burano is famed for its lacework, Murano has built a reputation on the traditional glass production, cultivated here for centuries. The island is located a short distance from Venice, about 1.5 kilometers northeast from La Serenissima. Similar to most of the other islands in the lagoon, it too was first populated by the Romans, somewhere around the 6th century. Even if at first it flourished as a fishing center and thrived on the salt trade, its utmost affirmation came in the 13th century, when the glassworkers in Venice were sent away because of the risk of fires.

The glassworkers established in Murano, and the island soon became the most important glass production hub of Europe, first exporting glass beads, mirrors and chandeliers, and then expanding the range of products with other glasswork items. The fascinating history of the Murano glass traditional production can be discovered in depth by visiting the Glass Museum. The Glass Museum (managed by Fondazione Musei Civici Veneziani) is, by far, the most famed tourist sight in Murano. However, holidaymakers of Venice can also make time to visit sights like the 16th century Church of San Pietro Martire (which schowcases works by Giovanni Bellini, Tintoretto, Paolo Veronese, Giovanni Agostino da Lodi and Giuseppe Porta) and the 7th century Church of Santa Maria e San Donato (one of the oldest places of worship in the lagoon, sheltering the mortal remains of San Donatus).

The Christmas of Glass and the Murano Regatta (deemed the most challenging of all the regattas in the lagoon) are two of the most awaited events in Murano, excellent opportunities for tourists in search of a unique souvenir and for sports lovers to visit the island.

The water buses run by ACTV stand as the most straightforward public means of getting to Murano. Water taxis can also be resorted to, but prices are considerably higher.