Islands of Venice
In addition to the popular islands of Murano, Burano and Giudecca, there is a myriad of small islands known only to locals.
Notable minor islands located in the North Lagoon include Santa Cristina, San Michele, Sant’Ariano, San Francesco del Deserto or even La Salina, while in the South Lagoon we find San Lazzaro degli Armeni (one of the oldest Armenian monasteries) and many others. The large number of islands of which Venice is composed therefore makes it difficult for us to discover them all thoroughly in a short time.
Let’s take a look at the main and most popular islands-Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
How to visit Murano, Burano and Torcello
There are two ways to visit the wonderful islands of Venice: on your own or with boat tours:
Boat Tours: There is a wide choice of day trips in Venice to visit Murano, Burano and Torcello in a few hours. All of these tours include a stop in Murano (about 40 minutes) with a visit to an old glass factory where you can see a demonstration of glassblowing; a stop at Burano (about 1 1/2 hours) where you can visit the island on your own, and last but not least, a stop (30 minutes) in Torcello with its Basilica dating back to 1000.
Here is the list of the most popular and reviewed boat tours:
Departure from St. Mark’s Square €25:
BOOK HERE
Departure from the Santa Lucia train station € 30:
BOOK HERE.
Guided tour of Murano and Burano departing from Murano € 35:
BOOK HERE
Departure from Punta Sabbioni € 35:
BOOK HERE.
On your own: if you wish to visit the gems of the lagoon on your own without a fixed schedule or tour guide, you can purchase a public transportation ticket for 1 or 2 days and ride the iconic Vaporetto (visit the page dedicated to vaporettos).
Or you can use the unique Hop on Hop Off boat that connects Venice to the islands.
Price from €25: BOOK HERE.
The first stop will be in Murano where you can visit local glass furnaces.
Most furnaces offer the demonstration for free or just for a few euros tip, but the quality is very low and they last only 5-10 minutes.
If you really want to enjoy the ancient art of Murano glassmaking, you should attend a professional demonstration with a great local craftsman like:
–30-minute glass demonstration: €10. BOOK HERE.
– Or look at the various experiences to do in Murano. CLICK HERE.
In Murano you can also find the Murano Glass Museum where you can admire many works of art in glass.
Then you can take Vaporetto line 12 and head to Burano (it takes 35 minutes). The journey to Burano is already an experience because you can admire the picturesque other lagoon with its many uninhabited islands.
Take your time in Burano and enjoy a walk through the narrow streets, taste the local cookies (Bussolai) and visit the Lace Museum. Burano is the perfect place to enjoy lunch overlooking the peaceful lagoon.
From Burano, you can take the water shuttle service to Torcello (5-minute trip). In Torcello you can visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and take a walk around this green island.
Murano and its blown glass
Murano and the art of glassblowing are two elements inextricably linked to the Venetian artistic tradition. Located in the archipelago of the Venice Lagoon, the island of Murano has a long history in the production of fine glass, dating back to at least the 10th century.
The mastery of glassblowing has been passed down from generation to generation in Murano, and the art of glassblowing has become an integral part of the island’s identity. The master glassmakers of Murano are world famous for their skill in shaping glass into delicate and intricate shapes.
The production of blown glass in Murano begins with the use of a long iron rod called a “tip.” The molten glass is then collected at the tip and blown into the glass by expanding it with the use of the mouth. This process requires great dexterity because the glass must be worked quickly before it cools and becomes rigid.
Once the basic product is made, glassmakers can apply various techniques to create unique glass objects. These techniques may include murrine, filigree, engraving, and enameling. Each technique requires specific mastery and is often passed down only within glassmaking families.
Through their professionalism and creativity, Murano’s master glassmakers have created a wide range of objects, including vases, chandeliers, jewelry and decorative items. These pieces are known for their beauty, attention to detail, and use of bright colors. Each Murano blown glass object is a unique work of art, handcrafted with care and skill.
The art of Murano glassblowing is admired and appreciated all over the world. Over the centuries, artists, designers and art enthusiasts have visited Murano to study its techniques and discover the latest trends in glass processing. Today, many Murano blown glass objects are displayed in museums around the world, and the tradition continues to be alive thanks to glassmakers who are passionate about this ancient art.
In the 13th century, the glassmakers of Venice were moved to the island of Murano to reduce the risk of fire from their furnaces. This shift proved beneficial, as it allowed artisans to develop their skills and experiment with new techniques. They soon became masters of their craft, producing intricate glass objects such as chandeliers, mirrors and delicate glassware.
Despite the separate location, the bond between Burano and Murano remained strong. Many of Murano’s glassmakers married women from Burano, further solidifying the link between the two islands. These marriages often involved the transfer of knowledge and skills in glassmaking to Burano families.
Burano and its colorful little houses
Burano is famous for its handcrafted lace; even today we can see ladies sitting in front of the doors of their colorful houses weaving wonderful lace decorated in unusual and beautiful ways.
All visitors to Burano are captivated by its myriad colors and colorful houses reflected in the canals, its tranquility and the calm with which the old ladies embroider the original Burano lace with their tombolo, laughing and chatting with each other in the campielli. Burano is like a piece of paradise in the lagoon, full of colors, flowers, children frolicking freely on bicycles and fishermen in their typical boats.
The best way to visit Burano is to get lost in the narrow streets among the maze of colorful houses. If you are an Instagram lover, you should go up to the “Three Bridges” bridge that connects three different shores. From here you can enjoy a fascinating view of the houses reflecting their charming colors in the canals, with the leaning bell tower in the background.
The colors of the houses, which have become the main feature of the island today, once served to demarcate properties. However, there is a “legend” related to the colorful character of the island, which says that it was the fishermen who used to paint their houses to recognize them from afar during long periods of absence due to fishing.
Today, while Burano focuses mainly on the lace industry, it is still possible to find several stores and galleries displaying beautiful Murano glass pieces. From delicate vases and sculptures to colorful jewelry and intricate mosaics, there is an array of extraordinary works of art to admire and purchase.
Visiting Burano and exploring its picturesque streets is a delightful experience. You can admire the picturesque houses adorned in bright colors, stroll along the canals, and discover craft stores offering a variety of lace and Murano glass creations.
Torcello
Torcello is the birthplace of Venice, where it all began. It is a pleasant place to relax in nature and enjoy a delicious lunch in one of its cozy restaurants (there are only 4). Only 6 people live on the island, and all of them work in agriculture. The island is famous for artichokes and many other local vegetables.
Why is Torcello so important despite its very small size?
In the 7th century, the inhabitants of nearby Altino (a small medieval town inland) fled the Roman city due to pressure from the Lombards. Some of them settled on the nearest island in the lagoon, which was Torcello. This marked the beginning of an organized urban structure.
Urban development: Torcello witnessed the development of an organized and articulated urban structure during the 7th century, with the consecration of the first version of the Cathedral of Santa Maria dell’Assunzione in 639. It has become a thriving center of commerce and agriculture.
Foundation of Venice: Torcello was the original nucleus of what would later become the powerful Serenissima Republic of Venice, making it a key place in the city’s history.
Economic Prosperity: The island has seen its wealth grow thanks to the valuable products of salt pans, vineyards and gardens, contributing to population growth and prosperity.
Art and architecture: Torcello boasts important architectural and artistic treasures, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria dell’Assunzione. The interior of the cathedral features extraordinary mosaic decoration of high quality and beauty.
Symbols: Torcello is home to two important symbols, Attila’s Throne and the Devil’s Bridge. These places add to its historical and cultural importance.
Legend of the Devil’s Bridge: The legend surrounding the Devil’s Bridge adds a touch of mystery and folklore to the history of Torcello. The story involves a pact with the devil and is still told today, making the bridge an intriguing element in island lore.
In summary, the historical importance of Torcello lies in its fundamental connection with the birth of Venice, its rich cultural and architectural heritage, and its fascinating legend related to the Devil’s Bridge.