Murano is world famous for its glass making and is a must visit destination if you’re coming to Venice.
The area is made up of a small series of islands all linked by bridges and is about 1mile / 1.6km from Venice and you can get there easily by the many Vaparetto’s (water buses).
In 1921 all the glassmakers in Venice were required by law to move to Murano as glass factories often caught fire and this posed a major fire risk to the city. Venetian glassmakers also developed secret recipes and methods for making glass and by having them all in one place enabled better control of those secrets.
Aventuine or Goldstone glass was invented on the island and for some time in the 15th and 16th century Murano was the largest producer of glass in the world. Today it is still world renowned for its exceptional quality of glass and luxury artistic glassware.
Visiting the island you can watch glass blowing and wander the canal lined streets and the many shops selling an amazing range of glass works from simple beads and fridge magnets to spectacular chandaliers, vases and statues.
Murano has plenty of cafes and restaurants and is a great way to spend a few hours on your visit to Venice or if you’re after a more quiet and serene place to stay then there are plenty of accommodation options.
How do I get to Murano?
Murano can be easily reached via a Vaparetto in about 15 minutes and there are a number of water taxi lines going there departing every 20-30 minutes:
- Line 3: A quick express line that departs from Piazzale Roma (the bus station) and Santa Lucia Station. It stops several times in Murano, including the Museo pier.
- Line 4.1 and 4.2: These lines circle Venice and stop at Murano via San Michele, the small island in between.
- Line 12: Departs from Fondamente Nove in Venice’s Old Town.
How long should I spend there?
Murano is not very big so depending on how you wish to spend your time just a few hours on the island will suffice. This allows for wandering the canal lined streets, visiting the many shops, a visit to a glass blowing factory and food from the many excellent restaurants and cafes.
An interesting place to visit is the Museo del Vetro glass museum or the ‘Glass Cathedral’ Santa Chiara where they hold glass blowing demonstrations and displays. If you’re lucky enough you could even get yourself tickets for the Masquerade Ball held at the Cathedral a few times a year!
Can I see Murano and Burano in one day?
Yes you certainly can. Its a 45 minute water taxi from Venice to Burano or 30 minutes from Murano to Burano. You can get the Vaparetto Line 12 which goes from Venice via Murano to Burano. Do bear in mind that if you are travelling at a peak time of the year (June to August) lines for the water taxis may be long, it may be hot and the boats a little crowded.
Where can I see a glass blowing demonstration?
There are a number of working glass factories and demonstrations on the island of Murano and they are generally all well presented and informative so it just comes down to preference. Whilst you can book online ahead of time just wandering the streets of Murano you will come across a glass blowing factory and walk in off the street. Listed below are just a few of your options on the island:
- The Glass Cathedral – Santa Chiara is an impressive building which has recently been renovated and they hold 25 minute glass blowing demonstrations. You can check dates and book tickets online with prices for an adult £12.50 / €15 / $16. Children aged 0-12 are free.
- Vetreria Artistica Colleoni is a very popular showroom and factory with 20-25 minute demonstrations for £8.40 / €10 / $10.80 and children under 15 years old are free. You get a €10 voucher back per ticket to spend in their shop.
- Ellegi Murano Glass, their demonstration is 10-15 minutes long but is £4.20 / €5 / $5.40 and children under 15 years old go free. You can book online via their website.
- Original Murano Glass is also £4.20 / €5 / $5.40 but you get a €5 voucher to spend in their shop. Duration of the demonstrations vary from 5-15 minutes.
You’ll be amazed at how within a few minutes molten glass is turned into a prancing horse, a vase or an elephant!
Many of the glass blowing demonstrations listed above and more are available for viewing on Get Your Guide where you can read the reviews as well as book tickets. There are also options to do your own glass blowing under the guidance of the skilled artisans.
Can I get a guided tour of Murano and Burano?
Yes, Get Your Guide is the best place to see the range of options you have to book a private tour of the islands from private boats, glass factory tours and commentary on the history of the area and lagoons.
Can I stay in Murano?
Yes, the island of Murano is quite different to Venice if you are staying there. During the day it is busy with tourists but at night when all the shops are closed its a quiet and serene place and this is perfect if this is what you would prefer. Whilst there are less restaurants in Murano the options and food is still excellent.
Accommodation recommendations:
