Visit the smaller island of Murano, with its picturesque streets and a large canal cutting across it, much like the Grand Canal cuts through Venice's main street. In fact, Murano is the world-famous home of Venetian glassmakers and is still filled with shops selling beautiful glassware for both practical use and for show.

The glassmaking tradition of Murano

The first glass production in Venice dates back to the 10th century and took place in the main part of the centre of Venice. Because glassmaking involves working with high temperatures, in 1291 the Doge of Venice decreed that all glassmakers must move from the centre of Venice to the more remote Murano archipelago, where accidents and fires would not cause such damage.

The second reason was the aim of Venetian glassmakers to hide from public view and protect the secrets of glassmaking, since glassmaking was already an important part of the international trade of the Republic of Venice at that time.

Over time, Venetian glassmakers grew very rich very quickly and acquired numerous privileges. Thanks to this, the island of Murano developed rapidly, with the construction of classical houses, churches and new canals, which is why today you can admire Murano in all its diversity.

Murano

Faro di Murano

Glassworks and souvenir shops

The glassmaking tradition in Murano still persists today, and all the local family-run glassworks are still handmade according to the old skills. Current production is mainly focused on ornamental glasswork in the form of jewellery, glass furniture, statuettes, figurines, as well as crystal chandeliers and the famous Venetian mirrors.

On the island you will find many glass souvenir shops, where you can be sure that they come only from Murano. However, prices are high due to the handmade process and the cheapest small beads of jewellery start at around 20 eur.

Glass shop, Murano

Tour of the glassworks

Some Murano glassworks allow guided tours of the facilities.

We would recommend the best value for money tour at the "OMG" glassworks, where you pay just 5 eur. Details and booking at: visitmuranoglassfactory.com.

Glassworks in Murano

Attractions in Murano

On the island of Murano, don't miss:

Museo del Vetro - 10 eur or a combined ticket for 40 eur containing all the civic museums of Venice, official website: museovetro.visitmuve.it
Church of San Pietro Martire - 15th century Renaissance church, free admission.
Duomo di Murano - 7th century Romanesque basilica, free admission
Faro di Murano - a lighthouse from 1934, still in use today, located on the south coast of the island (location on the en.mapy.cz)

Santi Maria e Donato, Murano

San Pietro Martire, Murano

Faro di Murano

Accommodation on the island of Murano

Murano is a popular destination for tourists who like to spend time in quieter places. Although the island is very touristy during the day, the hustle and bustle fades in the evening, so you'll have much more peace and quiet than in the centre of Venice, which is accessible by very busy public transport links throughout the night. Check out our accommodation tips here:

Cheap well rated hotels to 100 eur - Casa Sulla Laguna, Hotel Conterie
Best hotels in Murano - NH Collection Murano Villa, Hyatt Centric Murano Venice

Location and transport

The island or archipelago of Murano is located in the Venetian lagoon near the centre of Venice.

Murano can be easily reached from Venice in 15 minutes by public transport (vaporetto). There are several vaporetto stops scattered around Murano.

Murano Faro stop

The nearest stop in Venice (F.te Nove) can be reached in 13 minutes, the main station in 20-40 minutes depending on the route you choose and Burano for example in 30 minutes.

Click on the line number for the timetable.

Murano Faro

Line 4.1 (Murano centre, F.te Nove, San Giobbe - station)
Line 4.2 (F.te Nove, Ospedale, Giardini, San Marco, Giudecca)
Line NM (express service to San Giobbe - station)
Line 7 (San Marco) - only in summer season
Line 12 (F.te Nove, Burano, Mazzorbo, Torcello, Treporti, Punta Sabbioni)
Line 13 (F.te Nove, Vignole, Sant'Erasmo, Treporti)
Line 18 (Lido) - runs only in the summer season
Night line N

Murano Colonna

Line 4.1 (Murano centre, F.te Nove, San Giobbe - station)
Line 4.2 (F.te Nove, Ospedale, Giardini, San Marco, Giudecca)
Line 7 (San Marco) - runs only in the summer season
Line 18 (Lido) - only in summer season
Night line N
Alilaguna Blu (Airport, F.te Nove, Lido, San Marco, Giudecca, Tronchetto)

Murano Navagero

Line 4.1 (Murano centre, F.te Nove, San Giobbe - railway station)
Line 4.2 (F.te Nove, Ospedale, Giardini, San Marco, Giudecca)
Line 7 (San Marco) - runs only in the summer season
Line 18 (Lido) - only in summer season
Night line N

Murano Museo

Line 4.1 (Murano centre, F.te Nove, San Giobbe - station)
Line 4.2 (F.te Nove, Ospedale, Giardini, San Marco, Giudecca)
Night line N
Alilaguna Rossa (airport, Lido, San Marco, cruise ship dock) - only in summer season

Murano Venier, Murano Da Mula