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How to Enjoy What Murano Italy Has to Offer

Glass lovers, artists and collectors dream of a visit to the island of Murano, in the lagoon off of Venice, Italy. The art of glass-making in distinctive and delicate forms began there in the 13th century. The traditions handed down among master glassmakers and their breathtaking work continue in factories and small shops to this day. Take a water taxi or vaporetto (water bus) to Murano, a 20- to 30-minute ride depending on where you are staying in Venice.

Things You'll Need

Travel to Venice on the northeast coast of Italy
Take a water taxi or vaporetto (water bus) to Murano, a 20 to 30 minute ride depending on where you are staying in Venice.

Instructions

- 1
  Plan your day. Murano is a small island (population 7,000). Accessible only by water, it is divided into seven parts by canals and waterways. Foot bridges connect the land and several docks throughout the island for boarding Vaporetto (water buses). There are about 40 glass factories on Murano. You'll also find dozens of shops, cafes and restaurants. A dozen or so small economy and luxury hotels and villas can be found on Murano as well. Other attractions include a glass museum (Museo Vetrario) and the Basilica di Santa Maria e Donato. There is much to do and see. One day in Murano is not enough.
- 2
  
  Many glass factories offer tours and demonstrations.
  
  Wear comfortable walking shoes. Like Venice, but on a much smaller scale, Murano is a great walking destination. All your explorations will be on foot or by water on the canals and along the back and side streets. You'll find hundreds of brightly colored buildings, inviting shops, restaurants, bars, glass furnaces and glass-making demonstrations.
- 3
  
  Shop for authentic Murano glass.
  
  Visit the Glass Museum and factories. The Glass Museum is in a magnificent palace called the Palazzo Giustinian; it contains a collection of several centuries of Murano glass.
  
  Several glass factories (Marco Polo, Formia and many others) have glass-making demonstrations throughout the day for the public. These are free and fascinating to watch. Glass pieces are made in a teamwork approach, with gas fired kilns.
- 4
  Buy authentic Murano glass with trademarks. Vetro Artistico stickers, for example, certify the origin and authenticity of Murano glass. This sticker guarantees that the glass piece was made on the island of Murano, based on traditional master glassmaking techniques. The sticker has gold leaf lettering and an image of a borsello (glassmaking tool), and is anti-counterfeit. It will break into pieces if removed from the glass object to place on another piece.
  
  Beware of cheap imitations made in china and sold in Venice, and yes, even in small shops on Murano.

Other Collecting