Islands of Murano and Burano
Duration: 4 hours
Tour Code: vce-001
Depart from the pier by private motor launch for a tour of the northern lagoon. Your first stop will be in Murano. Here, guests will have the opportunity to see a true artist and master craftsman of glass works in action at a glass factory. The glass furnaces were moved here from Venice in 1291. Aristocrats, who lived in Murano, were known as Uomini di grande abilità (men of great ability) according to medieval tradition, and it was they who founded the Church of Santa Maria. In 1291, Murano became the island base of a glass-blowers' guild. Craftsmen were practically kept prisoner here, not infrequently by force, to preserve the secret of the glass-blower's art.
The visit will continue with a short walk in Burano, a fishing island where all the houses are painted in different bright colors. This little island is also famous for its lace. The lace-makers sit working in front of the doors of their houses, while others have stalls, selling filet embroidery, crochet and bobbin work, blankets and garments. The famous sewn lace and bone lace gave the island a certain amount of wealth from the 15th until the late 18th century. When lace-makers from Burano were sent to Belgium and France, Burano lost its lace-making monopoly, the skill was almost forgotten and the families were reduced to poverty. But in 1870, a lace-making school was founded and the young women were once again taught this traditional handicraft. Painters and writers have always been attracted by the enchanting appeal of Burano.
Please note: This tour includes approximately 2 hours of moderate walking. Therefore this tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility.