Trip to the islands of Murano and Burano

Itinerary

Murano is Venice in miniature. The same canals, houses with walls that have absorbed salt over the years, and even its own Grand Canal. Compared to Venice, Murano has far fewer tourists, it is quiet and tranquil. Restaurants set up tables on the canal banks, and you can sit by the water.

I will talk about the glassblowing tradition of this place: the people of Murano were able to create things that were not made in any European country until the 18th century! Primarily mirrors and glasses. Glassmaking masters were forbidden to leave their island to prevent industrial espionage. However, their daughters were allowed to marry noble Venetians. The Murano glassmakers managed to not only keep the secrets of glassmaking safe but also pass them down through the centuries. That is why their glass is so highly valued today, and a Glass Museum is organized on the island.

Our next stop is Burano, a very picturesque island, almost like a toy. The houses here are painted in bright colors: this way, fishermen who have been living here for a long time could recognize their homes from afar by the color of the walls. To this day, locals are required to repaint the facades every six months and are not allowed to change the color of their house without government approval.

While waiting for their fisherman husbands, wives would weave lace. Burano lace is just as famous as Murano glass. In lace shops, you can see how it's made.