In this article, I present Muranothe island of Venice, famous for its glassblowers.
Here you'll find
- Information about the city and its specialities
- How to reach Murano easily
- An excursion to discover the main Venetian islands
- Fares and what's included in the ticket
- Practical tips to make the most of it
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Murano, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Murano: article summary
Murano, discovering the art of glassblowing
Murano is one of the three most visited lagoon islands, Burano and Torcellothis is the first one the most famous and not by chance: it's home to craftsmen with unique skills, specializing in glass blowing.
The art of glassblowing
This art consists of heating glass to soften it, then creating a variety of objects by blowing the hot glass, a practice that is unique in the world. The secrets of glassblowing are passed down from father to sonThis has been the case since the 12th century, when glassmakers were forced to move to the island by a decree of the Venetian Senate in 1201.
That's right, fire hazards of this activity worried the Venetians. As a result, craftsmen were forced to move their furnaces to the island of Murano. It was also a way of protecting this coveted art, the subject of much covetousness, by keeping it away from the bustling center of the Serenissima.
Initially, the objects manufactured were of a practical nature, with refined crockery for the world's great rulers, but manufacturing has evolved over the centuries, and now includes a wide range of products. decorative objects.
During your visit, you may fall under the spell of small glass animals, vases or sculptures that will find a special place in your home.
Churches and mosaics in Murano
But Murano has much more to offer than one might initially imagine, with pleasant gardens and bridges which allow you to cross the canals, for a style that brings the island closer to its big sister Venice.
As you wander through the town, you can visit some superb churches with exceptional mosaics or a palace hosting regular exhibitions. It's an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the area's atypical Venetian Gothic style.
To make the most of it, I present to you a 6-hour excursion from Venice, which will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city to discover the charms of the Venice lagoon.
What does the Murano excursion include?
If it's possible to get to Murano by vaporetto from Venice, the best way to discover the islands of the lagoon is to take part in the a complete tourwhich allows you to :
- Visit Murano, Burano and Torcello with an average of 1 h 30/1 h 45 on each island
- Moving around by boat from island to island
- Listen to your guide tell you the stories and highlights of each island
- Use an application to learn more about the monuments, activities and special features of these three lagoon islands
You'll see the craftsmen working with glass in Muranoyou'll discover the art of Lace and colourful houses of Burano, and you can enjoy the peace and quiet of Torcello as you plunge back into the past. its glorious past.
Between museums, canal walks, photo shoots and culinary breaks to enjoy local specialties (including delicious freshly caught fish), you'll spend an unforgettable day.
If you're looking for What to do in Venice during your stay and would like to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, this excursion is sure to delight you.
How to get to Murano easily
If you choose to take part in this tour of the three lagoon islands, all you have to do is go to the starting point located at the following address Ponte della Paglia, 30122, Venice
Simply present your ticket at the Shore Excursionlocated between the Doge's Palace and Hotel Danieli, before embarking. To reach this departure point, you can use :
- A vaporettogetting off at the stop Marco-S. Zaccaria (line 1)
- The water cab (Motoscafo), getting off at the stop Monumento
- On foot, if your hotel is located in the center of Venice
To reach Murano on your own, you can take a boat (line 4.1 or 4.2) since Piazzale Romafrom the San Marco Monumento pier or from the Fondamenta Nuove ferry terminal. Depending on your point of departure between 10 minutes and 35 minutes journey time. Departures are approximately every 20 minutes.
Murano: Rates, reservations, opening hours, practical information
Here's what you need to know to visit Murano with this tour and enjoy it to the full.
Rates and booking
- Adult ticket: €25
- Children's ticket (3 to 5 years): 15 euros
- Free for children under 2
Reservations for this tour are mandatory and can be made online. You'll receive your tickets instantly, and just need to present them at the ticket office.
Opening hours
You can take part in this excursion to Murano, Burano and Torcello every day, at 11 a.m.. However, you will need to go to the counter 30 minutes before boarding.
The whole trip takes 6 hours. You'll spend 1h30 to 1h45 for each islandThis is sufficient, as they are relatively small. Murano, for example, covers an area of just 1.17 km.2 !
Useful info
Bring good shoes for the walks. And a camera, because you'll see some wonders, especially on the very photogenic Burano.
You should also know that the boat is covered, so you can enjoy the excursion even in rainy or snowy weather, which is not uncommon in the region. Venice in winter.
What to see and do in Murano
If we immediately think of glassware Murano is not the only attraction of this small island. Here are a few suggestions for your visit:
- Visit glass stores and factories to catch a glimpse of the artisans at work. Be careful if you want to buy trinkets, because the Made in China is unfortunately present in the stores...!
- Discover the Glass Museum where more than 4,000 refined pieces are on display, testifying to local know-how.
- Enter the impressive Santi Maria e Donato Basilica and its campanile, dating from the 7th century and featuring an exceptional mosaic pavement
- Discover the Palazzo da Mula with its Venetian Gothic style, where exhibitions are frequently held
- Admire Murano lighthouse and its panoramic view of the neighbouring islands
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
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