Plan to visit Murano? Italy2love.com suggest you all the information you need to visit and enjoy the magic island.
Murano what to do and see – Artisan tradition and advanced industrial techniques, craftsmanship and technology, are the combination that for centuries characterizes and enhances the Italian glass tradition. A segment of luxury and synonymous with Italian style, the glass art principally held in Murano, Venice, is now exported all over the world but still has its fulcrum on the small Venetian island where glassmaking originated in the 8th century.
Murano
In the islet of Murano, full of Renaissance houses and the characteristic white lighthouse, the production of glass objects remains the highest expression of the refined work of many dynasties of master glassmakers who have handed down the art of transforming the sand with fire and with the air, in the secret of their island.
In fact, it is believed that the creation of glass objects goes back to ancient Egypt and has reached the Romans to adorn noble houses, but it will have to pass many centuries before, thanks to Arab and Asian influences, develops into an art proper. And this happened in Venice when, to prevent fires on the mainland caused by the glass working process, Murano was elected as a floating factory.
As the process of creating glass is very complex and economically significant, glassmakers were allowed to carry swords and enjoy some immunity but were never allowed to leave the Republic just to not share the secrets of their art.
And for many centuries, the glassmakers of Murano will maintain a strict monopoly on the quality and production process of glass, millefiori, crystalline, enamel, milk, until the rediscovery of ancient Roman glass, today’s murrine.
Best Glassworkers
Murano is still home to artisan workshops where artists work glass for mass marketing, but also to make original and unique works, especially in imitation of precious stones.
Over time many of its historic glassworks have become international brands such as Salviati, Barovier & Toso, FerroMurano, Berengo Studio, and in their factories the artisans always use the ancient techniques to make chandeliers and murrine, another symbol of Made in Italy, with a trademark of protection that guarantees quality and origin.
Discover more experiences in Venice
Nowadays the tourists who visit the workshops of the great Murano glass masters who helped Picasso, Fontana and Chagall to create their glassworks, do not give up buying lamps, glasses, jewelry, vases, very thin and impalpable or thick as marble, white as porcelain or cold paintings, to reconnect with that ancient tradition, before going to Palazzo Giustinian to admire the works on display in the Glass Museum, often the result of donations from the Murano furnaces.
Video – Glass Factory, Murano
Legends of Saint Donatus: Murano’s Dragon Slayer
Murano is home to a captivating legend surrounding Saint Donatus, the island’s patron saint. According to local lore, Donatus defeated a ferocious dragon in Greece and brought its massive bones to Murano as a symbol of his victory. These remarkable relics are displayed behind the altar in the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato, adding a touch of mystique to the church’s already impressive mosaics. Visitors are often left in awe by the scale of the dragon’s “bones” and the enduring tale of bravery that accompanies them.
The Birth of Murano’s Glassmaking Legacy
Murano’s glassmaking tradition has its roots in a strategic decision by the Venetian Republic in the 13th century. To protect Venice from the risk of fire caused by glass furnaces, all glassmakers were relocated to Murano. Over time, the island became a thriving center of innovation, developing secret techniques for creating crystalline glass, enameled glass, and more. This legacy has been meticulously preserved, making Murano synonymous with exquisite craftsmanship and innovation. Exploring this history adds a rich layer to your visit.
Tour guided of Murano island
Discover the charm of Murano, a Venetian island world-renowned for its age-old glassmaking craftsmanship. A guided tour is the perfect way to immerse yourself in this artistic heritage, offering the chance to observe skilled glassblowers as they shape molten glass into stunning works of art.
Many tours include visits to historic glass furnaces, such as the famed Seguso workshop, a name synonymous with glass artistry since the late 14th century.
In addition to the glassmaking tradition, these tours often highlight Murano’s picturesque canals and notable landmarks, including the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato, admired for its magnificent mosaics. Some excursions even combine a visit to nearby islands like colorful Burano, famous for its lace-making and vibrant homes, or tranquil Torcello, rich in history.
A guided tour ensures a deeper appreciation of Murano’s cultural and historical significance, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this Venetian gem.
Tips and Tricks for Visiting Murano
- Plan Your Visit Wisely: To enjoy a quieter experience, aim to visit during early mornings or late afternoons when the crowds thin out.
- Getting There: Take the vaporetto (water bus) from Venice. Lines 3, 4.1, 4.2, and 12 offer convenient options from key locations like Fondamenta Nove or Piazzale Roma. A day pass is a great choice if you plan to explore neighboring islands too.
- Beyond Glass: While the glass factories are a highlight, don’t miss the Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum) and a stroll along Fondamenta dei Vetrai for stunning canal views and charming shops.
- Where to Eat: For a taste of local cuisine, visit Osteria La Perla Ai Bisatei, known for its traditional Venetian dishes and warm hospitality.
By exploring Murano with these tips and uncovering its stories, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this enchanting island and its enduring legacy.
