Tourist Information on Murano Island
Murano is the most famous of the Venetian Islands , and the most visited courtesy of the famous glass-works that produce the popular “Murano Glass”. The people of Venice have been making crystal and glass since the 10 th Century, when the Venetian merchants brought back the secrets of production from the East.
The Industry moved to Murano in the 13th century, because of the fear that the furnaces might cause a fire in the tight and confined quarters of Venice itself. In later centuries, believing that the furnaces and their smoke from their chimney stacks had a benefit to ones health many Venetians built vacation homes on the island.
In old times Venice has a monopoly on the production of the glass, and the methods of the craft were such a well-guarded secret that it as considered treason for a glass worker to leave the city. The difference between crystal and glass is the amount of lead used in its production, and the incredible elaborate pieces produced by the artisans can range from the beautiful to the grotesque.
In and around St Marks you'll find many hustlers trying to offer you a free trip to Murano. Avoid them at all costs, as when they get you to Murano you'll be bullied into buying things you never wanted in the first place, As an alternative, your hotel should offer free trips to Murano, or if you are a serious shopper of Murano Glass you could take a personalized tour of the Island watching the glass-workers in action and visiting showrooms that provide the best examples of Murano Glass.
Fans of Glass should also plan a visit to the Glass Museum of Murano where you can see exquisite pieces and understand more about the process and history of glass-making in Venice . The museum is open daily between 10 am and 4pm ( except Wednesday ). You should also consider the nearby Church of San Mary & Donato which boasts a magnificent mosaic pavement laid-down in the 12th Century. The Church was originally dedicated to the virgin Mary, but later it was rededicated to San Donato when his remains where bought to Venice from the greek Island of Cephalonia, along with those of a dragon he supposedly killed. According to the legend, four bones from the corpse of the dragon are hung behind the main altar of the church.
How to get to Murano:
• Public Transportation - The island can be reached by public transportation by the water-bus # 52 from Piazzale Roma or San Zaccaria ( near St Marks), or the 12, 13 or 52 from the Fondamenta Nuove.
• Three-Island Boat Tour
• Private Boat tour of the Lagoon
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