Murano Island

Hours	Glass Museum – Tuesday to Thursday 10 am to 5 pm, Church of Santa Maria and San Donato – Monday to Saturday 9 am to 7 pm
Price	4 euro
Phone	041739586

Murano glass floods the souvenir shops of Venice to the point that almost every visitor leaves with a piece. For many years, the glassblowers of Murano were the only craftsmen capable of creating a mirror. They successfully developed various types of specialized glass, and wealthy aristocrats around the world desired the delicate chandeliers and beads created by the island’s artists. The status of glassblowers swelled to a point during the 14th century, when they held a rank similar, but not quite equal, to nobles.

The island became inhabited by the glassblowers when, in 1291, officials of Venice ordered the city’s glassblowers to move the location their work. The furnaces of the glassblowers were considered a fire hazard in the confines of Venice, as many of the original buildings were made of wood. After this move, glassblowers dominated the island, giving way to the label Murano glass. When you visit Murano, a detailed history of its renowned glass is available in the Museo Vetrario, or Glass Museum. Founded in 1861, the Glass Museum was once a palace, and now houses innumerable examples of glass produced throughout the centuries. The island of Murano exhibits the work of the glassblowers, like art, as a constant progression of talent.

Although much of the island is dedicated to the craft of glassblowing, there is another true work of art that cannot be missed. The Church of Santa Maria and San Donato is much older than any of the glass factories and is located in close proximity to the Glass Museum. The Church is known for its intricate mosaic floor, completed in 1140, as well as its elaborate interior design. Murano is a thorough representation of various types of art, from the classic mosaic to the more modern glass.