Burano
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 23 January 2024
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The wonderful island of Burano is one of the 118 islands that makes up the Venetian Lagoon in the region of Veneto, of which Venice is the capital and main island.
Measuring just 21 hectares, Burano houses a population of just over two thousand residents with the economy traditionally surviving through fishing and the production of lace. In modern times the lace industry has all but died away but there are dozens of places on the island where you can see some of the finest examples of the craft, including shops and a school of lace. |
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An array of colour
Much as the examples of lace are interesting, particularly at the Scuola di Merletto (School of Lace) which doubles-up as a museum, it is something else that will provide the abiding memory as you leave the island's tiny shores.
Burano was founded in the 7th century and survival at that time depended on what could be found in the Lagoon. Henceforth the fishing tradition was established and the fishermen toiling around the Lagoon would be warmed by the fact they could pick out their home back on the island, because each home was painted in a distinctive colour.
This tradition has endured and to quite staggering effect; the photos on this page begin to tell some of the story but it really has to be seen to be believed. The apogee of this colourful display is at the Casa di Bepi or Bepi's House with its whacky, abstract designs.
Burano was founded in the 7th century and survival at that time depended on what could be found in the Lagoon. Henceforth the fishing tradition was established and the fishermen toiling around the Lagoon would be warmed by the fact they could pick out their home back on the island, because each home was painted in a distinctive colour.
This tradition has endured and to quite staggering effect; the photos on this page begin to tell some of the story but it really has to be seen to be believed. The apogee of this colourful display is at the Casa di Bepi or Bepi's House with its whacky, abstract designs.
Sightseeing Burano
As you make your way around Burano's colourful streets with the main thoroughfare of Via Baldassare Galuppi dominated by lace shops and restaurants, you'll likely veer off into some of the residential areas to enjoy the polychromatic display. The main thoroughfare opens up at the principal square of Piazza Baldassare which is home to the island's only church: the Chiesa di San Martino. Inside the church there's a famous painting, the crucifixion by Giambattista Tiepolo which was painted in 1725.
Walking away from the church you might think all is well but there was something about it that was a little amiss. It becomes clear as you begin to explore the canals around the piazza that when you look back towards the church, the Bell Tower looks like it's about to topple over at any moment. The further away you get from it, the more pronounced the lean. It's been that way since the 16th century however so there's no great cause for alarm.
Walking away from the church you might think all is well but there was something about it that was a little amiss. It becomes clear as you begin to explore the canals around the piazza that when you look back towards the church, the Bell Tower looks like it's about to topple over at any moment. The further away you get from it, the more pronounced the lean. It's been that way since the 16th century however so there's no great cause for alarm.
Mazzorbo
In the unlikely event that you get bored with the charms of Burano, you can walk across to the neighbouring island of Mazzorbo via a pedestrian bridge at the north western tip, close to the vaporetto port. Mazzorbo is a quiet, residential area with a couple of churches and a few restaurants, but a very different experience from the exuberant Burano.
The aforementioned vaporetto is the colloquial name for the water bus service that operates around the Lagoon. This is by far the best form of transport for exploration of the Lagoon and you can find the Venice Water Bus Vaporetto Map by clicking the green link.
From Venice to Burano takes around 40 minutes on Line 12, leaving from Fondamente Nove. If you plan a visit to Burano then it makes sense to visit the nearby island of Torcello on the same day. Torcello has a famous cathedral and can be reached from Burano in just 5 minutes on the number 9 vaporetto.
The aforementioned vaporetto is the colloquial name for the water bus service that operates around the Lagoon. This is by far the best form of transport for exploration of the Lagoon and you can find the Venice Water Bus Vaporetto Map by clicking the green link.
From Venice to Burano takes around 40 minutes on Line 12, leaving from Fondamente Nove. If you plan a visit to Burano then it makes sense to visit the nearby island of Torcello on the same day. Torcello has a famous cathedral and can be reached from Burano in just 5 minutes on the number 9 vaporetto.
Burano - frazione di Venezia
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Comune: Venice
Province: Metropolitan City of Venice Region: Veneto Size: 21 hectares Population: around 2,000 Highlights: multi-coloured houses, Leaning Bell Tower of Burano Fly to: Venice Marco Polo Airport Close by: Torcello, Cavallino Treporti, Lido di Jesolo, Murano Recommended accommodation: Casa Burano Experience |
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Venice and its Lagoon
Year: 1987
Venice and its Lagoon
Year: 1987
