See Venice and Die - but not before you see Murano!

Venice is one of those places that are on everyone's 'bucket list" - list of places to see before we die. Everyone wrote about it - even Shakespeare; everyone painted it, from Tintoretto to Bellini; and everyone who could - visited it. It is truly magical. Its beauty is timeless, its palaces, balconies and canals are saturated in history. It is also slightly seedy, like an aged actress with too much makeup; its hygiene depends on regular tides to wash away all the detritus. It was originally populated by Romans running away from barbarians, but barbarians found them: millions of tourists descend on Venice every year. But a short boat trip away lays a quiet, miniature version of Venice - Murano, with everything that Venice has, minus the barbarians.



A short 10 minutes trip by a vaporetto (the water boat) or by a private boat taxi from St. Mark's Church or from the Fondamenta Nuove will take you to Murano, one of many islands of the Venetian lagoon. One of many but in many ways unique and arguably the most beautiful,

Murano has everything that Venice has: beautiful ancient canals, including its own Grand Canal, which splits the island in two, magnificent palaces like Palazzo Giustinian, spectacular churches like Church of Santa Maria e San Donato, quiet, quaint streets lined with laundry, gondolas selling fresh vegetables or ice-cream, rich shops full of expensive wares.



In 13th century Venetian glass-makers were forced to move to Murano to diminish the risk of fires and created 'an island of glass'. In 15th century, Venetians used Murano as a resort island and built magnificent palaces to enjoy their free time and created a miniature Venice.



Only a mile across, Murano is one of those places that everyone knows about. Most of its fame came from the murano glass makers, who produced some of the most magnificent glass objects ever made. Murano glass is today a synonym with high quality artistic glass. Glass art is still the major industry of Murano and visiting one of the existing glass studios is one of the major attractions of the island.



But, for those who are looking for a quiet moment, away from the maddening crowds, Murano offers peaceful cafes on the sun-bleached sidewalks, endless vistas of the lagoon, and a chance for a quite moment to digest the sensory overload that is Venice.



To grab that quiet moment, it is best to come to Murano early in the morning or spend the night in one of several picturesque hotels like Locanda Conterie or Hotel Al Soffiador.



You will not go hungry in Murano. Try Busa Alla Torre Da Lele, widely recommended by many visitors. There are also many pizzerias, trattorias and ice cream places.



If you are tempted to buy a piece of Murano glass, look for the seal of authenticity. You do not want to give a nice glass pendant to your mother-in-law back home to find out that it has been made in China. You might save yourself a trouble and just buy it online; many Murano artists now sell through reputable international dealers.



If you are visiting Murano with the love of your life, do not miss a gondola trip. Corny? So what? You might want your 'gondolier' to sing you a serenade, but check first if his singing will not chase away all the pigeons off Murano.





Murano Italy | Murano Glass and Murano Glass Jewelry imported from Venice, Italy.