Like its neighbor Burano, the island of Murano is distinguished by its ultra-colorful houses and pretty bridges. But here, the world-famous local craft is not lace, but glasswork. Glassblowers and kaleidoscope-like stores punctuate your every step in this city of a thousand colors. Let yourself be carried away by the charm of an authentic island that has preserved its traditions and old-world charm. How can you do it? By discovering our 11 must-do activities in Murano during your weekend or week-long road trip off the coast of Venice!
1. What to do in Murano Visit the Glass Museum
Accessible by vaporetto, the local boats that ply the canals, the Glass Museum is a marvel of refinement. Step by step, you'll discover the history of this material, emblematic of the island. Indeed, this history inevitably involves Murano glass, which has become a world reference in this field. To top it all off, the Museo del Vetro is housed in the Palazzo Giustinian, once the residence of numerous bishops. From the largest artistic pieces to the smallest decorative objects, not forgetting tableware, a whole world of glassware is on show. There's no doubt that you'll come away with stars in your eyes, and the desire to redo all your decorations and crockery!
This exceptional museum, faithful to local traditions, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. If you only need to spend a few quick hours on the island, it's definitely a must-see.
2. A visit to a typical glassworks, revealing ancestral knowledge
There's nothing like seeing craftsmen at work to understand the art of glassmaking. Numerous Murano workshops open their doors for you to discover their skills and creations. You'll be blown away! The various glass objects, created in front of you, receive the utmost professional attention. Each piece of blown glass comes to life in the hands of its creators.
One of the best places to admire this meticulous work is the Wave Murano Glass Factory, where you can discover step by step each stage of transformation, from the raw product to the artistic object created. The artisan glassmaker uses blowtorches and glass cutters to transform a simple piece of raw material into a luminous, radiantly beautiful creation. One thing's for sure: you'll be blown away!
Click here to book your visit to Murano's glass factory and showroom, including a glass-blowing show.
3. Introduction to glassblowing
Why not take action? A number of workshops allow the curious to try their hand at the art of glassblowing. Working in small groups, you follow the master glassmaker's instructions step by step, for around two hours. Each step is patiently explained to you, so you can finally create the glass object you'll leave with. Some glassmakers offer this activity to children aged 10 and over. But be careful! Be careful, as furnaces can heat up to 1300°. The art of glassblowing is sublime, but requires concentration and meticulousness. You won't find this exciting and unusual experience everywhere. So make the most of your time in the glassblowing capital of the world. You won't regret it, and you'll come away with many wonderful memories!
Discover the art of Murano glassmaking by watching a master glassblower at work in Murano by booking your experience right here.
4. Sailing the canals from Murano to Venice
Murano is an ideal destination for a romantic weekend in Europe, even on Valentine's Day. To match the romantic mood of your trip, there's nothing like an excursion on the waters of the Venetian lagoon ! We offer a range of excursions, from canal to canal, to discover :
- Murano / Burano / Venice: we recommend that you take a season ticket for public transport in Venice. You can visit nearby destinations such as the Lido, Murano, Burano and the island of Torcello.
- Murano / Burano / Torcello: book your trip to Burano, Torcello and Murano from Venicehere.
Here's an activity that's sure to please everyone: families, lovers and friends all enjoy discovering Murano's surroundings on its waters!
And if Venice is beautiful from the water, we recommend a 3-day weekend after your visit to Murano. It's well worth it, as these 17 must-sees in Venice prove! However, we'd advise you toplan this trip in May, during the long weekends, so that it's less crowded (and less hot!).
5. Discover the Palazzo da Mula, a treasure of the past
The beautiful 15th-century façade of the Palazzo da Mula, representative of Venetian Gothic art, is not to be missed. In addition to this sublimely detailed architectural and decorative work, push open the doors to discover the lagoon civilization center. It exhibits numerous objects from Venetian culture, immersing visitors in a civilization and its traditions. Created by Massimo Parravicini, the center aims to preserve and enhance the cultural heritage of the Venetian lagoon. You'll discover a unique collection of everyday objects from Venice the Serenissima, enhanced by environmental projects designed to protect the lagoon's ecosystem. In addition, the building now houses the Municipality of Venice-Murano-Burano.
6. Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria e San Donato
Head to the small Campo San Donato square to admire one of Murano's most beautiful buildings. The Basilica of Santa Maria e San Donato, Murano's main historic building, dates back to the 6th century. With its original rounded façade, it is a masterpiece of Venetian-Byzantine architecture. The bell tower, separate from the church, is one of Murano's tallest structures. Inside, you'll be impressed by the superb marble floor and beautiful mosaics, including representations of animals, similar to those in St. Mark's Basilica in Venice. A surprising setting for a basilica, but one that adds its own touch of originality!
7. Admire the two beautiful Murano columns
If you've ever visited Greece, you'll have noticed the many columns to be found there. In Murano, there are two. The Roman Column, which can be seen as soon as the boat arrives in Murano harbor from Venice, is made of granite. On a guided tour, you can learn more about its history and astonishing inclination.
The second column is located near the Ponte del Mezzo. The original purpose of the Column of Call was to gather the population together to make announcements straight from Venice. The Venetian messenger would stand beside the column, announcing the orders issued by the Doge and magistrates.
8. Murano's floating market, an unusual nugget on your trip
In Murano, the stalls take to the water! Fruits, vegetables and other fish products are offered right from the small boats typical of the area. This astonishing market, like those sometimes found in Provence, can be discovered as you stroll along the canals. It's a great opportunity to kill two birds with one stone: discover Murano's pretty quaysides, while stocking up on fresh produce. Fishing is particularly active in the adjoining salt lagoon, so you'll find excellent fish straight from the sea, with no middlemen! But fish isn't the only thing on offer. Fruits, vegetables and other everyday products can also be sold on these boutique boats.
9. Walk to the Murano lighthouse, the island's liveliest spot
The Murano lighthouse can be admired on a walk to the island's quays. It's impossible to miss, with its black and white stripes! It's not open to the public, but it's a particularly photogenic feature of Murano. This strategic Murano building is also a "beacon" landmark on the island, as it is from here that the vaporetti, the boats that make it easy to cross from one island to another, depart. As it's a very busy place, the atmosphere is guaranteed! There are also cafés and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy theview between two visits.
10. Visit Murano's beautiful churches
In addition to the island's sublime basilica, we invite you to visit thechurch of St. Peter the Martyr dating from the 14th century. Located in the center of Murano, in the little Marco Michieli square near the eponymous bridge, it is particularly beautiful to contemplate in the evening. Inside, you can admire the beautiful woodwork, glass chandeliers (yes, this is the glass capital!) and some fine paintings.
Your ecclesiastical tour continues at theSanta Maria degli Angeli church, located on the west side of the island. Rebuilt in the 16th century in Renaissance style, it has been recently renovated. Its exterior is modest, and access is unfortunately not always guaranteed! If you're lucky enough to visit, however, you'll see a magnificent ceiling adorned with religious figures.
11. Excursion to Burano, to discover the lace industry
Don't just cruise past Burano: stop off in the lace capital! From Murano, take a vaporetto and plan at least a day trip to this neighboring island. It owes its reputation to lace-making. As you can see from these must-see things to do in Burano, this is a truly ancestral craft. If you're only staying a few hours, before returning to Murano, be sure to visit the Lace Museum, which also offers demonstrations of lacemaking.
Your stroll will inevitably take you to the island's eight picturesque bridges, which link the various small islands in the area. As in Murano, it's a pleasure to stroll along the canals, admiring the lovely, shimmering houses as you go. Here, too, the typical alleyways are adorned with bright colors. A true feast for the eyes! Casa Bepi, with its geometric shapes, is the most original of all. Embrace the Italian dolce vita!
Where to eat in Murano
You're probably familiar with some of the typical Italian dishes, but it's in a quality local restaurant that you'll discover their true flavors. The good news is that, although Murano is very touristy, there are some excellent places to eat that are popular with the locals.
Murano's best pizzas
- At Osteria del Duomo, the pizzas are as succulent as they are affordable. The pizzaiolo is very friendly, offering a convivial place to eat near the Glass Museum. Pasta with clams, as well as a number of fish specialties, also pay tribute to Mediterranean cuisine.
- French and Italian cuisine
Opened by a Frenchwoman, this pretty restaurant offers typical Italian dishes, cooked by an Italian chef. And let's face it: it's a pure delight! From carpaccio to grilled octopus, the recipes at Ai Piantaleoni are as varied as they are delicious.
- The friendly address popular with locals
At Sottovento, you can sit back and enjoy a drink, a platter of cured meats, tapas or fried cheese, and catch up on old times. The locals themselves love this lovely little address, where conviviality seems to be the watchword.
And for those on a budget, it's easy to grab a panino (Italian for sandwich) on the go for a small price.
Have you been seduced by Burano? Continue your discovery of the country with our top 15 of Italy's most beautiful villages. This pretty corner of the Mediterranean is the ideal place to put down your suitcases for a romantic weekend. But don't stay too long! The local islands are small and can be visited quickly. Make the most of your visit to this beautiful Italian region. Finally, during your road trip on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, discover the 27 must-see things to do in Italy. Something tells us you'll find inspiration for future trips all over the country!
Book ahead below for the hottest things to do when you visit Murano:
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