Murano

Known for its people's mastery in the art of shaping glass, this island is a top attraction of the Venetian Lagoon.

TravelCurious Tip

Murano can be easily accessed using vaporetto line 42.

A mile northeast of Venice sits the small island of Murano, known locally as “The Glass Island”. In reality, it consists of seven separate islands, but they are all connected by small footbridges, and they are so tightly bunched that they are usually lumped together in the popular consciousness.


Blowing Across the Lagoon

Before being incorporated into the larger comune of Venice, Murano was a municipality of its own, and over the course of several centuries it developed an excellent reputation as a centre of high-quality glassblowing. In the late 13th century, the production of glass was a complex, delicate and relatively new process, which could only be executed by a select few master craftsmen. As glassblowing workshops began to spring up in Venice, the authorities became worried about the increasing fire risk in their mostly wooden city, and in 1291 the glassblowers were ordered to pack up and move to Murano.


Keeping it Glassy

Unsurprisingly, the island’s tourist trade revolves around this rich and lengthy heritage, and there are plenty of opportunities to visit traditional fornaci. Many of these have demonstration areas where you can see the craftsmen at work producing everything from simple window panes to intricate glass animals – an extremely impressive spectacle. If the history and mechanics of glassblowing interests you, the Museo del Vetro can tell you all you need to know. Afterwards, take a wander to Campo Santo Stefano, where you can admire the attractive clocktower of the Church of St. Stephen, and the large blue “starburst” abstract sculpture which sits at the square’s centre.


Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Venice
Modern Glassblowing Techniques
Uncover the 21st century artistry that goes behind glass blowing, allowing for unique and delicate designs.
Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo
This historic square is home to an imposing Gothic church and the Scuola Grande di San Marco, as well as an important 15th century equestrian statue.
Venice city canals
Drive along the picturesque canals of this beautiful city.
Ca’ d’Oro
Commissioned in 1428 by the family who gave Venice eight Doges, the 'Golden House' is now open to the public as an art gallery.
Thriving Jewish Cultural Centre
Until 1650, almost every Jewish book, like the Torah and the Talmud, were published and distributed from the Venetian Ghetto.
Banco Rosso
An old bank in the Ghetto, where a famous expression comes from...

Related Tours

Explore Murano, the Island of Glass & Colour: Private Tour by Boat

Experience the iconic archipelago of Murano, world-famous for its glassmaking, by private water taxi.

On your private tour you will:


  • Enjoy the personal attention of your private guide with pick up and drop off at the location of your choice in central Venice;
  • Travel by luxury Venetian motorboat, the most comfortable and coolest way to reach the island of Murano;
  • Learn why Murano is the centre for glassmaking in Venice and Europe;
  • Visit Murano's oldest glassmaking factory, famous for its expertise in the working of Venetian Chandeliers exhibited in acclaimed museums all over the world; 
  • See firsthand a glass-making demonstration by the Master glassblower himself or one of his trusted assistants;
  • Visit an exclusive exhibition normally closed to the public, and meet a world-acclaimed Master glassblower;
  • Travel like a local, and enjoy a luxury boat ride through the Venetian Lagoon with stunning panoramic views.


The Venetian Lagoon has many islands, each with its own character and heritage. Foremost among these is the archipelago of Murano, with its many bridges connecting the islands, which provides a respite from the touristy bustle of the historic city. Murano has been the centre of glassmaking in the region since 1291.

Your tour guide will take you via private water taxi across the stunning Venetian Lagoon to Murano. On arrival, you'll walk the colourful streets and enjoy many photo opportunities before enjoying an exclusive visit to the oldest family-run glass workshop, not usually open to the public.

Here you'll meet the master glassblower and his team who will give you a private demonstration in which you'll see how they twist the molten glass to make different shapes and items. If you are lucky, you will also see them colouring the glass. A very special part of the tour includes a private viewing of the world-famous Maestro Fabio Fornasier's exhibition, not open to the general public.

Throughout the experience, your guide will explain the history and secrets of the profession, how glassblowing shaped the fabric of Murano’s society and odd little facts such as why the glassblowers used to be immune from prosecution. 

Murano and Burano by Luxury Water Taxi: Private tour from Venice

Explore the beautiful Venetian islands of Murano and Burano, famous for their world-famous glassblowing and handmade lace-making traditions dating back to the 1500s, by luxury water taxi with a private guide.

On your private tour you will:

  • Travel in the comfort of a private Venetian motorboat and enjoy a panoramic boat ride through the magical Venetian Lagoon;
  • Visit Murano's oldest glassmaking factory, where you will meet the master glassblower and his team;
  • See first-hand a glassblowing demonstration of the world's finest blown glass;
  • Admire the exclusive glass exhibition, normally closed to the public which boasts stunning glass chandelier works by an acclaimed modern maestro;
  • Explore the colourful fishermen’s island of Burano, known for its lace-making traditions;
  • Follow a private guided tour of a historic lace workshop and witness a demonstration of this intricate craft;
  • Photograph the iconic brightly coloured buildings as you walk through the streets;
  • Savour the delicious biscuits called Bussolai, and enjoy a local special gelato that can only be found on Burano island.


Escape the hustle and bustle of St Mark’s Square as you head to the pearl of the Venetian Lagoon and enjoy a picturesque boat ride to the islands of Murano and Burano.

Celebrated as the centre of production of the world-famous Murano Glass and often described as the “small Venice”, Murano is the most well-known of the islands surrounding beautiful Venice, but your guide will show you some off-the-beaten-path places there too.

Your first stop will be a traditional glassmaking factory, where you will watch a master glassblower and other artisans make chandeliers, vases, statues and other beautiful objects. You will also have an exclusive invitation to private viewing of an exhibition by Maestro Fabio Fornasier – not usually open to the public. Fornasier’s exquisite design work with chandeliers, in particular, has made him world-famous.

Burano, famous for its colourfully painted houses and its picturesque canals, is a real pearl of the Venetian Lagoon and will leave you spellbound by its beauty. Walk along scenic canals and take wonderful photographs of the vibrant local architecture and spectacular vistas that make the island of Burano a very special place to visit.

Then enjoy a visit to a local workshop where you’ll see the intricacy involved in the delicate lace-making - which continues to be made by hand today. You’ll also be invited to taste the delicious local cookies called ‘Bussolai’ and a special flavoured gelato before travelling back to central Venice across the Lagoon. 

x

Guides

Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.

Partners

Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.