Murano Travel Guide

Venetian glass is famous the world over for its intense colours, fabulous shapes and ornate decorations. A visit to the picturesque little island of Murano, a ten-minute ride from the city centre by vaporetto (water bus), offers an opportunity to see the ancient art practised at first hand and talk to the craftspeople who are taking the tradition into the modern era.Glass-blowers have been based on Murano since the 13th century, when the Venetian authorities made the sensible decision to move the fiery glass furnaces away from the crowded town for safety reasons. The island is still home to many workshops where you can watch skilled artisans transform molten glass into beautiful decorative objects, then wander around the shops to view the huge range of products from simple beads and trinkets to lavish mirrors, vases and chandeliers. If you decide to make a purchase, check it carries the trademark Vetro Artistico Murano as a guarantee of authenticity. The shopkeepers will be happy to help you with your choice and offer advice about aftercare of your precious souvenir.Visit the Murano Glass Museum in the Palazzo Guistinian to see examples of local glasswork dating back to the 1st century. The museum is open daily except Wednesdays and major public holidays, with guided tours each Tuesday and Thursday. Afterwards, wander around the rest of the island, perhaps stopping off at the Church of Santa Maria and San Donato, which has an impressive mosaic floor, or checking out the Bellini paintings in San Pietro Martire.Murano makes for an easy and relaxing day trip from Venice, but for those wishing to stay longer there are several hotels and restaurants on the island.