Murano Glassworks is world-renowned for its colourful glass objects, works of beautiful but practical art, hand-crafted on this island of Venice often referred to as the island of glass. Glassworks have been in operation on this island sector of Venice for many centuries, and it’s still blown in the traditional method. A short ferry ride from the centre of Venice, this can be an hour’s pastime, or a day-long adventure, depending on your personal passion.
As pretty as the rest of Venice, Murano island is built right to the edge of its canals, and is totally walkable (once you get there by water) because of its condensed area plan. Visitors revel in the variety available from the various glass factories, and can watch local glass-blowers in action, plus buy their wares in the many shops.
Here you will find stunning glass vessels, jewellery, ornaments, figurines and even full-sized chandeliers ready to be wired and lit. As you wander between the glassworks, stop for a custom-designed Italian gelato treat.
And don’t miss the legendary Romanesque Church of Santa Maria and San Donato with its brightly coloured mosaic floors. It is said that a slain dragon is buried beneath the church; that might explain how the glass was originally fired...
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