What is Murano?
Murano is an island located in the Venetian lagoon in northern Italy, near the city of Venice. The island is known for its long history of glass production and is home to numerous glass factories and artistic workshops where Murano glass is made.
What is Murano famous for?
Murano has been known for its glass production since the 13th century, when glassmakers were forced to move their furnaces to the island to reduce the risk of fires in Venice. Since then, Murano has become the center of Venetian glass production.
Murano glass is made using a variety of techniques, including blowing, casting and shaping. Artisans use a mixture of silica, soda, lime and potassium to create the glass and may add different minerals and chemicals to create unique colors and textures. Murano glass can be found in a wide range of products including chandeliers, vases, bowls and sculptures and is highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts worldwide.
In addition to its glass heritage, Murano is a popular tourist destination with a rich history and culture. The island is home to several museums, including the Museum of Glass (Museo del Vetro), which displays the history and art of Murano glass, as well as several churches, palaces and other historic buildings.
How to get to Murano island?
Murano is easily accessible from Venice by vaporetto (water bus) or private water taxi, and visitors can explore the island's canals, shops and workshops to experience the beauty and craftsmanship of Murano glass first-hand.
Experience authentic glassblowing on Murano
If you are traveling around Italy or are going to visit romantic Venice, we would recommend at the same time setting aside a day to visit the island of Murano. Located in the Venice lagoon, it only takes 10 min. with the water bus and is a unique experience. The island is dotted with small glassblowing workshops where for a small fee you can come in and experience them doing the craft. Often it will be a retired Murano maestro who shows how a vase or a horse is created. At the same time, it is possible to buy a souvenir in the glassworks' associated shop.
Not many years ago, many workshops offered the small performances, but after some hard years with Corona shutdown, no tourists and a significant increase in gas prices, today only a few workshops offer these visits.
The right time to visit
It can be tempting to visit Venice and Murano during the hot summer months, but it is also the peak season for tourists. If you want an authentic experience without too many other guests, we recommend going in April/May or in September/October. Preferably on weekdays, when you can be lucky enough to almost have the island to yourself. In the off-season, you can also be lucky to find some really nice hotels at special prices. In general, it can be expensive to visit Venice and Murano, as hotel prices have risen sharply after Corona. The same applies to the city tax and some of the restaurants.
Read more about visiting Murano here