Murano

Murano is one of the most famous islands of Venice. No visit to Venice is complete without visiting the ancient settlements in the “dead” lagoon – La Laguna Morta.

From Fondamente Nuove take Veporetto line 12, or a motoscafo to the northern islands of the lagoon. Boats leave every 50-60 minutes. If the weather is rough ask about the time table.

The first station of the boat is San Michele, a green island that serves as a cemetery.

Murano – Murano is further along the route. It is actually an archipelago of small islands connected by bridges. The glass blowers that lived in Venice had to move out to Murano, that turned into a world famous glass manufacturing area.

The most important building in Murano is the Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato of the 13th century. This Basilica is built on the ruins of a 7th century chapel. Most of the floor of the basilica was preserved from the original medieval chapel. The mosaic of St. Mary and the black background around it is from the 13th century.

Murano is not very big, and all its streets and bridges show the art of traditional glass blowing that exists on the island for 700 years. The glass museum – Museo Vetrario describes the history of glass blowing, including archeological and modern exhibits. The museum is at the center of the island, on Fondamenta Giustinian 8, in Palazzo Giustinian. If you intend to buy any Murano glass this is the place. Murano glass sold near San Marco usually costs more. Some of the item are aomewhat old fashioned and even kitsch. Look at several Murano glass manufacturers. Some have more modern designs.