2024 Venice Day 2 Murano and Burano

The plan for day 2 included a tour to Murano and Burano islands. Murano is the home to a number of the world famous Venetian Glass Craftspeople. Burano is where the Lace Craftspeople have their shops and studios.

To get there you need a transfer by boat, which was where the tour started, not far from Saint Marks Square. Time for a wander.

It was another sunny and hot day in Venice, so a nice day for a boat trip out to Murano, which was our first stop.

The boat ride out took us past the Arena for a Tree installation by Klaus Littmann. I like it.

Building Bridges

This is a sculpture by Lorenzo Quinn called Building Bridges and is installed at the Arsenale, Venezia. Liked this one as well. I hope that both the Arena for a Tree and Build Bridges are kept past the current La Biennale di Venezia, or are relocated to another location.

Murano

Our first stop on the tour was Murano where the glass-makers of Venice have been living and working since 1291AD. For centuries the glass-makers on Murano kept their crystal and glass making technologies a secret from the rest of the world, that was until some of the local glass-makers shared with others in Europe.

Murano developed tech for optically clear, enamelled, multi-coloured, milk and gold threaded glass. They also made fake gemstones from glass.

New Murano Gallery

Our destination in Murano was the New Murano Gallery where we taken into the glass-works to watch one of their masters making hand-blown glasses. They take about 10mins per glass to make, sort explains why they are so expensive. You can also see the talent of the masters.

After the demonstration it was time to check out the showroom. There were some amazing pieces, with some equally amazing prices, though they don’t mind to negotiate when it comes to their high end pieces. They also arrange delivery and include insurance as a part of the service provided.

Murano is definitely worth a visit if you have time in Venice.

Murano to Burano

Burano

From Murano we had a short boat trip to Burano. Burano is known for its lace which has been crafted there since the 16th century by the local women.

Burano Bell Tower

One of the identifiable landmark of Burano is it Leaning Bell Tower.

There is an optical illusion associated with the Burano Bell Tower, from some angles it looks like it is straight.

Lace

Our guide took us to the Emilia Burano Lace Boutique.

Where there they still craft lace as they have done for centuries with a few “modern” additions to the process.

Unfortunately the number of trained lace artisans is reducing as not so many are taking up the call.

Lunch

After our visit to Emilia we had time to wander the town and grab lunch. We chose Trattoria da Romano, a haunt for locals.

This is definitely the place to grab a bite and it is definitely a popular haunt of the locals.

Burano Wander

Return to Venice

The boat trip back to Venice from Burano was pleasant.

Not exactly sure the purpose of the fake ducks, they did look pretty good. The bird on top of pillar 31 is a real cormorant, well I think it was.

Venice

Once back in Venice we went for a wander to find a coffee.

Hotel Rialto Venice

Our hotel in Venice was the Hotel Rialto, it is the red and pink coloured buildings next to the Rialto Bridge, so in a great location. Not exactly as comfortable as hotels in Asia, it was clean and had what you needed.

Dinner

After a quick shower it was time to find a place for dinner. Venice is no different to most tourist towns, if you want to find good value and great food, don’t hang around the heavy tourist areas. In Venice that is Saint Mark’s Square and the Grand Canal.

You don’t need to go to far from these areas to find a good options, no more than two alleyways back.

We got lucky and found, with the help of Google Reviews, Ristorante San Silvestro.

A very enjoyable end to a great day. The food was excellent, except for the tiramisu which was a bit bland, and we had a couple enjoyable bottles of wine.

Grand Canal at Night

One of the “scary” finds on the walk back to the hotel was how chintzy the restaurants and bars along the Grand Canal were..

Murano and Burano Tour

A boat tour to both Murano and Burano is definitely worth it and, you may find that your hotel has a deal for one of these tours. I suggest asking when you are booking your accommodation, might save you USD150 / person.