Murano — Attraction in Venice

Nestled like hidden gems within the embrace of the Venetian lagoon, the enchanting islands of Murano and Burano beckon with their unique charms and vibrant personalities. These two small islands, each with its distinct allure, offer an escape from the bustling canals of Venice and unveil a world of exquisite craftsmanship and colorful traditions.

Murano, renowned worldwide for its centuries-old glassmaking legacy, is a testament to human creativity and skill. As I wandered through its narrow streets, the delicate artistry of Murano glass unfurled before my eyes. I had the privilege of witnessing master glassblowers in action, their deft hands transforming molten glass into intricate pieces of art. The Glass Museum provided a captivating journey through time, tracing the evolution of this ancient craft. From delicate chandeliers to intricate figurines, the pieces on display showcased the mastery that has been passed down through generations.

Burano, a picturesque island famed for its vibrant houses and rich lacemaking heritage, felt like a living canvas. The kaleidoscope of colors that adorned every building seemed to dance in harmony with the azure waters surrounding the island. Walking along its charming canals, I marveled at the intricate lacework displayed in shop windows. The Lace Museum provided insight into the painstaking process behind these delicate creations, revealing the dedication and artistry that have defined Burano's identity.

Both islands shared a sense of community and authenticity that was palpable. The warmth of the locals, their passion for preserving traditional crafts, and their willingness to share stories added depth to the experience. Dining in local trattorias allowed me to savor authentic Venetian flavors, a delightful blend of fresh seafood and regional specialties that mirrored the islands' vibrant spirit.

Whether exploring the artisan workshops of Murano or immersing myself in the kaleidoscopic charm of Burano, I felt a profound connection to the rich heritage of these islands. They offered a glimpse into a world where time seems to stand still, where age-old traditions are cherished, and where the hands of artisans continue to shape the narrative of Venice's past and present. As I bid farewell to Murano and Burano, I carried with me not only vibrant memories but also a deep appreciation for the cultural treasures that make Venice's lagoon truly...

Murano is the quant island of glass shops and making. If you are visiting Venice and you want to buy some special Murano glass, you should visit the island. It's an easy ride on the Vaporetto.

If you don't have time to go to the island, there is plenty of Murano Glass for sale throughout Venice. The prices in Venice are very comparable to the Prices on Murano. However, on the island you will have a much larger variety of designs and quality. We saw many similar designs that were for sale in Venice, but we also saw the most amazing artistic creations on Murano. If you want to spend $2,000, $20,000 or more on something amazing, you need to go to the island.

In Venice we heard some odd comments from local tour guides. For example, one guide said the glass on Murano was more expensive. Another guide said that, the glass got less expensive as you went further into the island. We didn't find either of these comments to be true. Obviously there will be variances in price for similar glass items, so shop around, but you will also see price variances based on quality of similar items. For example, a popular glass souvenir is a clear glass orb slightly smaller than a golf ball containing a glass goldfish. We saw these throughout Venice and Murano from $18 Euro to $28 Euro. Each one is hand made on Murano and if you look closely there are variations in the quality. After looking at dozens of these fish, I could see that some have bubbles that made the fish look like it was really swimming in a tank while others were simply random. The pricing differences I saw mostly reflected these quality differences. I also noticed these quality differences on vases and little animals etc. My conclusion - most places are priced fairly so decide the level of quality you care about. Also, if you want variety and/or the experience of seeing the glass made, go to Murano. If you simply want to by Murano glass, there are plenty of good...

The village itself is a masterpiece! Really good environment, lots of places/shops/restaurants and routes to follow and be amazed by the colors and glass production. It’s a unique experience, where you can be in touch with such magical place where glass meets the past generation and is still a matter of beauty and curiosity.

BUT there is HUGE BUT, the access done only by boat which should be a true Venetian experience is now really a nightmare. I can expose lots of reasons why the way this transport is done became ineffective and a DANGEROUS method: lack of office controllers at the boarding platforms -lack of security in control people, tickets -lack of boats to make this transport, since there are thousand and thousands of people and only few boats that takes at least 30 min. waiting (If you’re lucky) -boats absolutely working on OVERCAPACITY. I’m saying that we face a transport with no security equipment, old boats (Italy is not know for a remarkable maintenance accuracy) combined with a huge amount of people. -COVID safety is the last of your concern when inside the boat, your prayers and wishes are that theses boats make it through. -after 18:00 when the shops close, everyone is willing to return to Venezia center, and with not enough boats you can only imagine the chaos. There is a bigger issue for locals that rely on this transport every day to reach their works, student to reach schools, and the community as an overall.

I ALERT that the risk of a disaster is real, it’s tangible and you don’t need to be an expert or elevated IQ to notice that what’s going on is neither adequate nor safe. Once we don’t see something on the journals nothing will be done to have a real solution to this matter, so be cautious and pay attention when using...