Murano
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 23 January 2024
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The island of Murano is one of the 118 islands of the Venetian Lagoon, situated one and a half kilometres to the north of Venice, the central island in the Lagoon and capital of the Veneto region.
Covering a total area of 459 hectares across its seven islands, Murano is famous above all for the manufacture of glass which formed the basis of its economy both in the past and the present. |
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Glass manufacture
As the Venetian Republic flourished throughout the medieval period, controlling much of the world's shipping and trade at one point, that success had a trickle effect on Murano which became a self-governing element of the Venetian Republic in 1276. Murano's present-day population is in the region of 4,000 permanent inhabitants but it was once home to upwards of 30,000.
The techniques of its glass manufacturers were so closely-guarded that there were laws prohibiting them leaving the Lagoon for fear that they would share their secrets. The tradition of glassblowing on Murano dates back to 1291 and the skills learned in those 700 years (and counting) have been passed down from one generation to the next.
The techniques of its glass manufacturers were so closely-guarded that there were laws prohibiting them leaving the Lagoon for fear that they would share their secrets. The tradition of glassblowing on Murano dates back to 1291 and the skills learned in those 700 years (and counting) have been passed down from one generation to the next.
Sightseeing Murano
One of the favourite activities in Murano is to visit one of the small glassblowing factories to watch the craftsmen perform their mesmerising art.
There are seemingly endless shops selling the hand-made glassware throughout the canalside walkways of the island as as well as the Murano Glass Museum where you can catch a glimpse into the history of the craft and view some of the finest examples of glassware.
The busiest "street" in Murano is the Fondamenta dei Vetrai (similar to "Glassmakers Street") where you'll find the majority of glassware boutiques on either side of the canal which can be crossed via a series of pretty foot bridges such as the Ponte di Mezzo.
At the top of the main canal area is one of Murano's famous churches: the 14th century Chiesa di San Pietro Martire. From here, it's a pleasant walk of around ten minutes and across a bridge to reach the more famous Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato.
Originally-founded in the seventh century but largely reconstructed in the 12th century, the intricate facade is an exemplar of Byzantine architecture while the interior is dominated by a beautiful mosaic floor and another impressive mosaic of the Madonna covering the apse.
There are seemingly endless shops selling the hand-made glassware throughout the canalside walkways of the island as as well as the Murano Glass Museum where you can catch a glimpse into the history of the craft and view some of the finest examples of glassware.
The busiest "street" in Murano is the Fondamenta dei Vetrai (similar to "Glassmakers Street") where you'll find the majority of glassware boutiques on either side of the canal which can be crossed via a series of pretty foot bridges such as the Ponte di Mezzo.
At the top of the main canal area is one of Murano's famous churches: the 14th century Chiesa di San Pietro Martire. From here, it's a pleasant walk of around ten minutes and across a bridge to reach the more famous Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato.
Originally-founded in the seventh century but largely reconstructed in the 12th century, the intricate facade is an exemplar of Byzantine architecture while the interior is dominated by a beautiful mosaic floor and another impressive mosaic of the Madonna covering the apse.
Taking the vaporetto to Murano
Murano is easy to reach using the Venice Water Bus system, otherwise known as vaporettos. There are numerous route numbers that make the short crossing to the north of Venice with a journey time of around ten minutes. It should be noted that there are several water bus stops around the island including the Murano Colonna stop at the southern edge.
This is the best stop for general exploration of the island as from there you walk directly onto the Fondamenta dei Vetrai but if you specifically just wanted to visit the Glass Museum or the Basilica you can save some time by staying on board until you reach the Museo stop.
This is the best stop for general exploration of the island as from there you walk directly onto the Fondamenta dei Vetrai but if you specifically just wanted to visit the Glass Museum or the Basilica you can save some time by staying on board until you reach the Museo stop.
Murano - frazione di Venezia
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Comune: Venice
Province: Metropolitan City of Venice Region: Veneto Population: around 4,000 Size: 459 hectares Highlights: Glass Museum, Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato Fly to: Venice Marco Polo Airport Close by: San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice Grand Canal, Ponte Rialto Recommended hotel: Hyatt Centric Murano Venice |
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Venice and its Lagoon
Year: 1987
Venice and its Lagoon
Year: 1987
