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Aerial photographs of Venice By Anton Nosik

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Murano and Burano

Burano and Murano islands are in the Venetian lagoon a few miles away from the city. Burano is known for its colourful homes and lacemaking while Murano is known for glassmaking. Burano’s name comes from ‘Porta Boreana’, a door in Altino from where people fled to the city while Murano is made up of seven small islands linked together by bridges and canals.

Island’s first houses were made from woven canes, and mud as the ground was too tender however the houses were later replaced by bricks. The main reason for painting Burano houses bright colours is unknown however it is believed that houses were painted in bright colours to help fishermen locate their homes during fog. It is easy to get to Murano Burano from Venice. You can either take the Vaporetto (water bus) or hire a private water taxi.

1. Leaning Bell Tower in Burano

Bell Tower Photo by Didier Descouens

The bell tower is from the 17th-century church of San Martino also known as the Campanile Storto di Campanile. The leaning tower is worth visiting anytime you visit Burano even though it is not famous as the leaning tower of Pisa. The tower has a tilt which was caused by a miscalculation of weight when trying to make the structure stand higher.

2. You Get to Admire the Colorful Houses in Burano

Reflection of Burano colourful houses Photo By Massimo Telò

one of the interesting facts about Burano is that it has admirable colorful houses. Many tourists visit the city to view and admire the brightly colored houses that line its scenic canals. The island’s history as a fishing village as facilities the painting of bright colors in houses within Burano.

The use of bright colors in houses helps the fishermen to locate their homes amidst the thick fogs around the lagoon. It is as well believed that the Burano people use bright paints to mark the beginning and end of their properties and this prevents conflict of properties.

3. Lace Production

Lace production is one of the sources of income on islands. When tourists get to Burano, they get to learn the history behind its lace-making industry. I would recommend whenever you visit this island to buy at least one lace, by doing so you promote the income of Burano.

Lace-making is still famous to date though there are few traditional lacemakers left on the island. Sadly, other stores are selling cheap imitation lace which is even made outside of Italy and this has affected the island’s lace-making big time. It is good to be keen before buying lace to avoid buying a fake one.

4. Museo del Merletto

Museo del Merletto is located in the historic palace of Podesta of Torcello. The Museum educated and talks more about lace making in Burano which has existed for years. If you want to learn more about the Island’s lace-making industry Museo del Merletto is the place to visit. In the Museum you will find a video detailing the early origins of lacemaking and how it spread to neighboring countries such as Turkey, Malta, and France.

5. Traditional Handmade Murano Glass is Passed from Parent Children

It is interesting to know that in Murano handmade traditional glass making is passed from one generation to another, parent to child. No need to go to a training institution, the skills are taught at home. The Murano glass is an Italian symbol of luxury and history that develops in a picturesque location.

6. Glassmaking in Murano

The Museo del Vetro in Murano Italy talks more about the art of glassmaking and its history. If you are interested to know more about glassmaking this museum is the best place to visit. The Museum is located in a 17th-century palace which was later converted into a museum in 1861.

The Museum displays an expansive collection of glasses, some of which were collected from Egyptian times. In 2016, they renovated the museum area to make it more attractive.

7. Visit the Mazzega Glass Factory in Murano

View of Island Murano By Francesco Valma Wikimedia

One of the interesting facts about Murano is the glass-making industry which adds income to the city and was started many centuries ago and is still active to date. Mazzega glass factory is at the centre of the glass-making industry and easy to access the factory. It is the most visited factory due to its location and I recommend it to any tourist willing to visit and witness how the famed Murano glasses are made.

Around the 1950s, Mazzega Glass Factory changed its techniques in glass making, setting the standard of glass making in Murano and other parts of Italy. The showroom of the factory is divided into 11 subjections representing the different glasses made in the factory.

During your tour of the factory, you will learn more about glass-making techniques and other interesting insights into Murano’s glass-making industry. You will find several other glass factories in Murano that tourists can visit other than the Mazzega glass factory.

8. Admire the Comet Star Sculpture in Murano

View of Island Murano By Francesco Valma Wikimedia

When you visit Murano, you get a chance to admire the Comet Glass star Sculpture created by Simone Cenedese one of the famous glass masters in Murano. It was built in 2007, for the celebration of Nata kook e di Vetro. This beautiful admirable art is permanently placed at the clock tower in a square across the bridge from San Pietro Church. The Sculpture has become Murano’s symbol for Christmas.

9. Explore the Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato

Murano is home to several interesting buildings and Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato is one of them. The Basilica is among the oldest churches within the Venetian lagoon and is known for its Byzantine mosaic pavement built around the 12th century.

However, the pavement has worn out as time goes by and it has been kept instant to preserve the remnants of history. It is said to be the only aspect of construction that is dated more precisely. Apart from the mosaic pavement, tourists visit the Basilica di Santa Maria e, San Donato, just because it contains the relics of Saints Donatus of Arezzo.

10. Grand Canal

Murano has its own Grand Canal like the main islands of Venice. Murano’s Grand Canal is quieter smaller compared to the one in Venice and never crowded hence more suitable to explore. Grand Canal is a great place to stroll and enjoy the canal which is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.