Mediterranean Cruise

Murano & Burano

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January 23, 2015

On our final day in Venice, we were up against our 2 p.m. departure for Dubrovnik. Murano & Burano are two of many colorful islands in the Venetian lagoon, so of course we wanted to see them. We opted for a Carnival-led ride across the water rather than explore on our own and risk getting left behind.

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Murano – Known for its Venetian Glass

On our final day in Venice there was still much to see. Our excursion left at 8am and would return us safely by 1pm with an hour to spare. It seemed a good way to fit in two more sights, and we were so glad we went! Our first stop was Murano, known for its beautiful Venetian glass.

Our purchases

Tour of the Glass Factory

The excursion gave us a wonderful tour of the glass factory, with a demonstration and (of course) were let off in the gift shop. We had an inkling that we may be making a purchase, but since money just doesn’t grow on trees you know, we had to make a very informed decision and take our time. All of the glass was stunning. Some of the glass was unbelievable! Just beautiful and, of course, expensive.

While others left the shop to explore the island, we kept looking for just that perfect purchase. One that we would cherish for years, but not pay for for years, if you know what I mean. We ended up with a beautiful platter and vase, and got two stemmed bowls with lids for gifts. Fortunately one of the gifts is still with us for a while.

“Murano’s glassmakers held a monopoly on quality glassmaking for centuries, developing or refining many technologies including crystalline glass, enameled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicoloured glass (millefiori), milk glass (lattimo), and imitation gemstones made of glass. Today, the artisans of Murano are still employing these centuries-old techniques, crafting everything from contemporary art glass and glass jewelry to Murano glass chandeliers and wine stoppers.

Today, Murano is home to the Museo Vetrario or Glass Museum in the Palazzo Giustinian, which holds displays on the history of glassmaking, as well as glass samples ranging from Egyptian times through the present day.” – READ MORE

We had our purchases shipped back to the states and used our spare time wisely to see a little more of Murano before we had to board our boat for Burano.

Burano – Known for its hand-made Lace

Burano was a beautiful and colorful little island, known for its lace. We wandered through many shops and I can’t even imagine actually using the beautiful table coverings that were all hand-made lace (especially with the grand kids over for dinner!!). They were VERY expensive, but absolutely gorgeous works of art. There were more reasonably-priced coverings, but they were probably the machine-made ones that just weren’t as beautiful.

The last photo is of the leaning campanile (bell tower) of the Church of San Martino built in the 16th century, which houses “The Crucifixion” (plate twelve from Stations of the Cross, c. 1748, published 1749) by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo. We did not have time to go into the church, but it looks lovely by the pictures on this website.