Murano

Murano is an archipelago located north of Venice and is famously associated with high-quality glassmaking. During the 13th century, Venetian glassmakers move to the area as a safety precaution against fire that may be caused by the glass-making shops. Nowadays, visitors arrive in Murano by riding water buses or by chartering their own motorboats.

Sights & Activities

To get a comprehensive idea on the extent of the glassmaking industry in Murano, visitors should head out to the Museo Vetraio or the Glass Museum, situated along Fondamenta Giustinian. The museum is housed in the Palazzo Giustinian and showcases the best of Murano glass products. It also details the history of the industry as well as displays examples of Egyptian glass.

A similar establishment is the privately-owned Barovier & Toso Museum located on Palazzo Contarini. This museum offers guided tours for free, to allow visitors to view their collection of art glass that manifests the establishment’s prestigious glass manufacturing history.

Visitors will also enjoy wandering around the area and stop by some of the glassmaking shops located all over Murano. Apart from glassware, there are also glass jewelry and decorative items for sale. Murano is also an excellent source of quality lampshades and chandeliers. Some shops may even allow visitors to see their artisans at work, though most cease their operations by five o’clock. Watching the artisans at work will provide opportunities for the uninitiated to observe and learn about the skill and patience needed to produce a single glass work.

When not shopping for glass, visitors should also take the time to stop by the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato or the Church of Saint Mary and Donato. Located along Fundamenta Gustinian, this religious structure was built during the 12th century and is described to be of Veneto-Byzantine style. Among the highlights to look out for are the mosaic pavement and the mosaic in the apse. The latter is particularly interesting, depicting the Madonna in gold background. The church is also said to contain the bones of the dragon slain by Saint Donatus, as well as the remains of the saint himself.

The Chiesa di San Pietro Martire is Murano’s other important religious structure. Located on the Campiello Michieli, it was built in 1437 and contains some of the works of famous artists like Bellini, Tintoretto, and Veronese. Like the Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato, it also bears a beautiful mosaic floor.

At the Campo Santo Stefano, visitors can behold its clock tower that was erected in the 19th century, on the site of a bell tower for a parish church that did not withstand the passage of time.

Eating Out

During the day, a lot of restaurants in Murano open their doors for the visiting tourists who come mostly on day trips from the nearby Venice. Among the eating establishments in Murano are the Trattoria Busa Alla Torre on Campo Saint Stefano, the Ristorante Dalla Mora along Fondamenta Daniele Manin, the Ristorante Srl on Campiello Pescheria, and the Trattoria Al Corallo along Fondamenta Dei Vetrai.