Ultimate Self-Guided Murano Island Walking Tour [UPDATED 2022]

Murano is a cluster of adorable little islands located just north of Venice’s main island. Murano was one of my favourite places when I travelled to Venice. It felt like you were escaping the main island’s hustle and bustle for a quiet, artistic borough. Even though Murano is touristy in its own right, this island is nevertheless a little refuge full of real treasures. The island is littered with darling canals and charming townhouses but is best known for its glass artisans.

Guide to Murano

1. History of Glass in Murano
2. Practical Information
3. Map of Murano
4. Panficio Marcato
5. Murano Glass Museum
6. Basilica of Saint Mary and Saint Donatus
7. Fratelli Tosi Showroom
8. Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli
9. Palazzo da Mula
10. Church of Saint Peter Martyr
11. Campo Santo Stefano
12. Barovier & Toso
13. Guarnieri Glass Factory
14. Former Church Santa Chiara Murano
15. Gino Mazzuccato
16. Murano Lighthouse

History of Glass in Murano

When Venice was first built, the city had a great need for glass mosaics. Inspired by Byzantine art and architecture mosaics, the grand Basilica of San Marco wanted its own mosaic cathedral of glass. A church covered floor to ceiling in glasswork to dazzle anyone who entered. This enormous endeavour required millions and millions of pieces of glass to complete. Glass blowing was a dangerous business, especially inside a cramped island-like town like Venice. The furnaces could get up to 15,000 degrees Celcius. With houses being so close, a fire that got out of control could spell disaster for the city. Not only that, the dozens of burning furnaces meant the temperature in the city would rise greatly when they were in production.

So, in the 12th century, they moved the glassworkers over to the islands of Murano. There, they were able to build larger studios with huge furnaces that multiple companies could share. But there was another reason for the move. This was to ensure the secrets of the great Murano glass didn’t get out! Glass artists were practically locked away on the island. The Serenissima (Venetian Republic) needed to ensure no one else could just easily visit without being noticed. Spies were prevalent, and glasswork was a lucrative business. By keeping everyone together, the government felt they could better control their movements and who they spoke to about what! Who knew pretty things could be such a sinister business?

Glass Guilds

On the islands, glassworkers were organized into different guilds. Each guild had a kind of union that oversaw their living conditions and day-to-day work. Businesses to support the workers began to grow around the area. These artisans needed to be fed and entertained. Keeping them happy was of the utmost importance to ensure they didn’t run off to another country. Many original families who started their businesses in Murano are still there. While some new modern techniques have been employed today, many of the original ways of doing things remain unchanged. Stepping onto the island truly is like stepping back in time.

Practical Information

How to get there

From the north edge of the main island of Venice, a Vaporetto only takes 23 minutes to reach Murano Island. Take lines 4.1 and 4.2 from the Fondamente Nove dock. If you want to get to Murano from the Santa Lucia Railroad Station, take Line 3 directly to Murano. This trip takes just short of half an hour. Wherever you come into the city, get off at the Murano Museo Vaporetto stop. This dock is located right near our first stop on tour.

Cost of Transport

If you already have a multi-day travel card for the public transport system in Venice, you can simply scan your card and jump on the boat. If you haven’t purchased a travel card, you can buy a one-way ticket for €7,50. But I HIGHLY recommend the travel card if you’re planning on doing any kind of sightseeing.

When to Visit

Murano is a beautiful place to visit almost the entire year. But in August, many factories closed for the summer holidays. If you can avoid travelling during this time, you should, as many spots, even in Venice, will be closed for the August holidays. If August is your only option for travel, be sure to call or check the websites to double-check if they have any special summer hours or opening times. Or make alternative plans so you aren’t caught off guard when you arrive to find a “closed” sign on the door.

“Free” Factory Tours

Don’t take a “free boat and factory tour” from the mainland or your hotel. Often these tours will tote “free” transport to and from Murano. And they all offer another “free” factory tour. But often these tours aren’t free at all. Once you arrive at the shop, the salesmen put immense pressure on you to buy something. Many guilt you into buying by referencing how they gave you a free trip to Murano, and you basically “owed” them.

Usually, the company mentions these are “special discount prices.” Still, repeatedly, they are anything but and are huge rip-offs. After buying the pieces, they’ll quickly whisk you off back to the island, so you don’t have time to shop around and compare their inflated prices. I truly hate these scams since the price of the boat to Murano is so cheap, and it’s incredibly easy to do it on your own.

Shopping for Murano Glass

Murano glass isn’t cheap, and that’s because of the quality. This glass isn’t mass-produced in China. It comes from artisans who have a long history of using these same hand-blown techniques as the previous generations. So you’re paying not only for the craftsmanship but also for the history. If you’ve had your heart set on picking up a piece for your home, there are some things to keep in mind.

Don’ts

Don’t feel pressured into buying anything. The larger workshops will have so many people moving inside the shop after the demonstration that if you leave without buying anything, you won’t be noticed. While the smaller artisan shops give more personalized tours, these are often not free. Therefore you’ve already paid for their time, so you don’t need to feel like you have to buy something. Not everyone who comes to the island has the same budget. Don’t feel you have to miss out on exploring Murano if you don’t plan to buy anything.

Don’t listen to hawkers! These salesmen lure you into their shops with gimmicks and alluring “discount prices.” Most of the time, these guys try to upsell you a cheap glass from Chine sold at high prices. I always avoid anyone screaming at me as a general rule.

Dos

Always look for the sticker “Vetro Murano Artistico “! If you buy something, always be sure it has this sticker on the window or on the glasswork itself. This trademark decal is given to sellers authorized as authentic Murano glass makers.

Tips When Buying Murano Glass

• Small, less notable shops will be much cheaper than the brand-name ones. Just like Gucci will cost more for a simple shirt than picking it up at Walmart or Tesco.
• The number of colours used in the piece will also change the cost. Threading more coloured bands into the glass will be a much more intensive and timely process. The fewer colours, the cheaper the piece. Some pieces also contain bands of gold leaf that will create a stunning effect but obviously increase the cost. Transparent glass is always cheaper than more opaque glass. Opaque glass requires more manual manipulation so if you’re looking for a cheaper piece, look for something clearer.
• Size is pretty obvious; the larger the piece, the most expensive it will be. I found a few pairs of earrings that were perfect for me to buy. They were the perfect thing to commemorate the experience and didn’t cost me an arm and a leg.

Map of Murano

Panficio Marcato

Upon deboarding the boat, head to the west along the canal for a few minutes. Head into Panficio Marcato to grab a coffee and pastry. No perfect day in Italy can start without breakfast and a cup of delicious espresso. A cute little mom-and-pop pastry shop is in this old, red building with adorable green awnings. Take the espresso and pastry, or sit by the water and enjoy watching morning commuters go about their day.

Murano Glass Museum

After being properly caffeinated, head back east towards the Murano Glass Museum. Visiting the museum first is a good idea to help get away from the crowds and gives you a primer on how these amazing works of art are created. It also provides a look into the history behind glasswork in Venice. The museum gave me a deeper level of appreciation which I could employ when I went into the glass showrooms. I understood better the magnitude of the task needed to create these pieces and, therefore, better understood the price.

The building which now houses the museum is a Gothic-style palace from 1659. It once belonged to the bishops of Torcello. Eventually, the palace passed hands several times when the diocese was abolished. Ultimately, it was passed down to the municipality and became the town hall in 1840. The town hall began to amass an archive of glasswork from Murano. They kept it in a few small rooms but over the years, as it continued to expand, they realized they needed to turn the entire space into a museum.

Layout of the Museum

The museum layout follows the history of glasswork chronologically as you move throughout. On the first floor, you find archeological discoveries from the Roman era. According to an ancient legend, Phoenician merchants on the sandy banks of a river in Syria would start campfires using saltpetre blocks. When these would melt and mix with the sand, the advent of glass was created!

Glass production centers have been found worldwide in Mesopotamia, Egypt and Syria. The first evidence of glass blowing can be found in Palestine in the first century BC. They discovered evidence of moulds that molten glass would be poured inside. The glass could be shaped later by blowing into it to create colourless glass. In Eygpt, glass urns were blown and placed on tombs as offerings. On the first floor, you’ll find the oldest examples of glass made in Murano from the 10th and 11th centuries. These were discovered in the foundations of the nearby San Donato Basilica.

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Murano in the 14th Century

Venice’s close relationship with the Middle East allowed its glass industry to thrive. They imported materials from these Islamic nations and copied their styles. The most popular style was the Finistere, a long-necked bottle with onion-shaped bodies. Until the 14th century, the middle east was the primary powerhouse for the best in glass production. But in the latter part of the 14th century, Murano glassblower Angelo Barovier invented clear glass, and this technique would change the history of glass production forever. Suddenly everyone wanted clear glass from Murano, and the workshops were in full gear to keep up with demand. Murano became the epicentre of glassworks almost overnight.

In the 16th century, Murano glassmakers perfected the art of freehand glass blowing. This employed a technique called “flying hand” that allowed the craftsman to manipulate the glass by hand without a mould. This resulted in much more free-form creations that looked almost ethereal, unlike anything anyone else was creating. Another popular technique on the island was diamond point engraving, which turned the glass into something more like lace. Almost impossibly so.

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Evolution of Murano Glass

Murano glassmakers were constantly trying to evolve their form and did so in sometimes strange and creative away. They experimented with bizarre forms, vases in the shape of animals or chandeliers with flowers blowing from the candleholder. Bands of glass were woven into these new creations creating a filigree technique that is still popular today.

Porcelain became more and more popular in Europe in the 18th century. Glassmakers had to keep up with this trend. They, therefore, invented more opaque glass, which could then be decorated with gold and hand-painted with scenes of mythological subjects or rococo motifs. These were also seen in porcelain, so it was clear the game was on to see which artisans could do it better!

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20th Century Glass Art

The art deco and art nouveau periods brought new life to the glassworkers as new styles and trends from these periods could easily be incorporated into glasswork. Unlike some businesses, Murano glass workers loved to evolve their craft while employing ancient techniques. In the 60s and 70s, alternative and sometimes downright strange designs and shapes begin to pop up on Murano island. Their works began to once more be seen and sought after all over the world. Especially in America, ensuring Murano’s legacy for glasswork for years to come.

Murano Glass Museum Hours & Admission

No visit to Murano is complete without coming here to learn more about the craft that founded the island. The Glass Museum is open from 11 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday (the short opening days are due to COVID re-openings so check back as restrictions lift!)

Admission to the museum is 10€ and 4€ more if you want the self-guided headset.

Basilica of Saint Mary and Saint Donatus

From the museum, walk north along the canals. You’ll soon reach a large brick bridge which stretches over the canal. On its lefthand side, you’ll find the great Basilica of Saint Mary and Saint Donatus. The reason for the two names is the church changed its dedication throughout the years. Originally it was built for the Virgin Mary. Emperor Otto I was caught in a storm one day and pleaded with the Virgin to save him. He told her that he would build a church in her honour if she saved his ship. When the storm passed, Otto saw the mirage of Murano in the distance and took this as an instruction from Mary. After he returned home safe, he immediately set off to build her a church.

History of the Church

The church was built in 957, but the current incarnation is from 1140. Let’s face it is still pretty old! The secondary name being added to the church is that the relics of Saint Donato were moved to the church. After the Doge’s conquest of the Kefalonia, they raided the church there, where they discovered the body and relics of Saint Donato. It was very popular in the early medieval times to raid relics from other churches and take them back with you after wars and crusades. These were not only mementos of your conquests but relics that brought in much more modern business and tourism. Pilgrims from all over would come to worship these relics’ tombs. When visiting, they would, therefore, patronize local rooming houses and food halls. Tourism was a big business even as far back as the 12th century.

Saint Donato

Along with the bones of Saint Donato are the enormous bones of the dragon he is said to have slain. The slaying of this dragon is one of the most prevalent miracles the saint is said to have done. He was said to have been a priest who was sent to kill a venomous dragon who had been terrorizing a small island. Donato defeated the dragon and kept the bones with him even into death. Further investigation of the bones has since proven that they are most likely not that of a dragon. Despite this, they have still been re-hung above his sarcophagus inside the basilica.

Touring the Church

The best approach to the church is from the east. This side of the church’s facade is decorated with an impressive collonade inspired by the famous Ravenna cathedral. The deep red and brown bricks are offset with the bright white Grecian-inspired columns. Dividing the upper and lower floors is a set of triangle pieces of stone in a rainbow of colours, giving the cathedral a unique appearance. 

Byzantine Mosaics

Entering the cathedral, you’ll first notice the amazing Byzantine-style 12th-century mosaic floor. This is truly the most spectacular part of the entire church. The floor designs are incredibly detailed and seem to weave around your feet like a vine. Images depicted in the tiles represent griffins, eagles, serpents and peacocks, all made of precious stones.

Above your feet, the great gold mosaic dome stands at the end of the cathedral. Inlaid into the dome is the image of the Madonna in prayer. Her hands gently reach out towards you, and even the small blacks of her eyes seem to pierce your soul.

Take some time to wander around the lovely courtyard at the back of the church. This area is often one of the most peaceful places in Murano. Even out here, it’s nice to escape the tourist.

Fratelli Tosi Showroom

Head to the street behind the church and walk along until you come to the  Fratelli Tosi showroom. The Fratello Tosi family has been crafting Venetian mirrors since the 15th century. Their mastery of glass and mirrors has been passed down from generation to generation, resulting in some of the best pieces of interior art worldwide. Venetia mirrors have a very distinctive appearance. They were first produced here on the island in the 15th century, and their iconic style has been replicated. Even today, their stylish appearance makes them some of the most sought-after pieces for any grand home.

Lattimo Processs

The exact process for making these mirrors is a family secret, kept on the island for years. But we know that gold leaf is woven into the mirror glass before it is fired. By integrating the gold into the glass, you preserve the bright and shiny nature of the gold forever! Another amazing process that creates these unique mirrors is called Lattimore. The Lattimore process is what creates the translucent milky white of glass. This technique also forms artful borders covered in flowers and ribbons. These designs are a staple of Venetian mirrors. Even if you can’t afford to buy one of these masterpieces for yourself, coming into the shops is like visiting a gallery filled with some true works of art!

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Exploring the Houses of Murano

Continue walking along this island towards the western end, where you’ll find the tourist crowds really disappear. There aren’t as many name-brand shops on this end of the island. This district is where you’ll find many more traditional Murano houses. While not as colourful as Burano’s houses, these houses are still painted in charming and cheery colours.

Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli

At the end of the island, you’ll find the Church of Santa Maria Degli Angeli. This church’s history dates back to 1188, but the current incarnation is from 1529. The land upon which the church was built was given to the church by a noble family. The daughter of this family had been forced into becoming a nun. Despite being forced into this life, she loved the convent and dedicated a large expanse of land near the water to the church. Here they could build an even greater church and monastery. For years, this was where the noblest Venetian families would send their girls to become nuns. The convent’s coffers continued to increase with so many more rich and famous families added to their order. Contrastingly, in the 19th century, the church was used as a hospital that cared for the poorest families in Murano.

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Nicolò Rondinelli Paintings

The church’s interior has a fantastical ceiling and altarpiece, which are worth looking at if you have the time. The ceiling is covered in 40 portraits by Nicolò Rondinelli, depicting the Apostles, Prophets and Evangelists. At the end of the nave is the grand altar. The altar contains a large baroque sculptural carving made in Carrara marble. The grouping depicts the three theological virtues Faith, Hope, and Charity. They surround a richly painted image of Annunciation.

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Fondamenta Venier

Take a walk along the water and make your way to the Ponte Longo. I love this stone walkway along the water. Hundreds of moored boats bob up and down near the Fondamenta Venier’s wooden docks, which jut out from the stone path. While some of the docks seem more modern in appearance, there are definitely some that appear to have been here since the dawn of Murano.

Palazzo da Mula

Just north of the bridge, you’ll find the Palazzo da Mula. This palace is one of the finest examples of Venetian Gothic palaces of the 12th and 13th centuries. Many rich Venetians would escape to the island of Murano in the summer with fewer people. Here they could escape the hustle and bustle of the “big” city. Although the Napoleonic invasions destroyed many of these noble homes, the Palazzo da Mula was spared.

Byzantine Architecture

You can study the Byzantine decorations on the facade. Most notably are the circular ornaments called patera, which remain embedded into the brick facade. The large square carvings on either side of four windows on the second-floor show off the coat of arms of the Mula family. Atop the capitals of the columns are carvings of shields with crests and lambrellini (part of a soldier’s armour). Another popular feature of these old palaces is the archway which would have originally led straight from the waters right into the house. Today there is a new dock which extends outward, but originally boats would have been able to pull right up into the house.

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Mazzega Glass

Mazzega Glass Factory showroom, just down from the grand palace, is packed with amazingly colourful and fun pieces of glass! When the company was established, its main goal was to use inspiration from European art of the twentieth century to inform their glasswork. Artists such as Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, and Georges Braque were only some of the artists who influenced their works. On the lower level is where you’ll find their tourist shop. This area sells mostly items that are more affordable and easy to pack away for visiting tourists. Upstairs is their true art gallery. Aweinspiring glass chandeliers bloom with lush flowers, large curving vases, and even extraordinary “solid glass” sculptures show off their artist’s incredible skills.

Church of Saint Peter Martyr

The impressively tall Chiesa di San Pietro Martire is along the edge of the Murano Grand Canal. Also known as the Church of Saint Peter the Martyr. The church was built in the 15th century but experienced a devastating fire. It wasn’t until 1511 that the new church was built. In 1806, the militia invaded the city of Murano and stole amazing works of art. Today many of these great works are on display in Accademia. The church was dissolved, and the area inside was used for art classes.

In the 19th century, the church was established as a parish. They were unable to reclaim their stolen works but to restore their church, they were able to use parts of crumbling churches set for demolition throughout the island. Today, it feels like a cobbled-together building that managed to keep the histories of many other lost churches within its walls.

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Ponte San Pietro Martire

The Ponte San Pietro Martire reaches across the San Matteo Canal, near the church with the same name. While this bridge isn’t extremely old or particularly artsy, I love the view you get from both the top of the bridge across the canal! It’s a great way to see Murano from a slightly higher perspective.

Campo Santo Stefano

The Campo Santo Stefano is on the other side of the canal, just across the Ponte San Pietro Martire. This adorable little square is home to one of Murano’s most eye-catching sights, the 19th-century clock tower. The Torre dell Orologio can be seen almost everywhere on the islands. The clock tower was built atop the foundations of an old bell tower from a 12th-century parish. This square has been a place of gathering for hundreds of years.

Comet Glass Star

In the centre of the square is a phenomenal blue sculpture made of large pieces of glass. This piece, Comet Glass Star, was made by master glassmaker Simone Cenedese. The sculpture is made from over 500 blown glass bulbs. At night each one of these bulbs lights up! The piece was made for the 2008 Natale di Vetro (Christmas of Glass). This annual Christmas celebration in Murano begins on St. Nicholas Day and lasts one month. People fell so in love with the sculpture that it has remained ever since.

Fondamenta Manin

Take a walk along this side of the canal along the Fondamenta Manin. While the glass stores and galleries along the street are what most people are focusing on, take a minute to draw your eyes up! Murano’s urban architecture is really a marvel. The colours of the houses are vibrant, and there is a real pride Murano residents have in their homes. Flower boxes are always full and almost overflowing with sweet-smelling plants.

Restaurant alla Vecchia Pescheria

Cross over the Ponte de Mezo to head into the Restaurant Alla Vecchia Pescheria. This is a great place to get some delicious lunch! This modern restaurant serves up some of the most artful creations with seafood fresh from the sea just off the shores of Murano! Their spaghetti ala vongole (clams) is one of my favourites, and I honestly could eat it all day!

Fondamenta dei Vetrai

Continuing, you’ll walk along Fondamenta dei Vetrai, which translates into a glassmakers’ street. This street is where you’ll find the largest collection of glassworker shops and stores on the island. You can get ripped off in many places, but hopefully, I have featured some of my favourites here.

Simone Cenedese

One of the best is Simone Cenedese’s shop, the artist who created the amazing comet sculpture from the previous square. Their shop is so amazing as it features both high-end sculptural works of art but also some more adorable items.

Barovier & Toso

One of the oldest and more prestigious glasshouses in Murano is Barovier & Toso. In 1295, the first member of the Barovier family, Jacobello Barovier, began their career in glass in Murano. These learned skills have been passed down and perfected from generation to generation, and now this is one of the most sought-after glass studios in the world! This showroom might contain products far above the price point of most people’s budget, but seeing them really is something to admire. If you want a more in-depth study of their work, book an appointment to visit their newly finished palazzo museum across the water.

A Private Museum

This private museum features 250 objects from the family’s history. Even 22,000 drawings and photos document their progress and work over the years. The tour is free Monday to Friday from 10 am – 12pm and 2 pm – 5pm, but you should book in advance to secure your spot as there is limited availability.

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Fondamenta Serenella

Continuing down the island’s edge, swing around it and head up the western side. The street which wraps about the island’s edge is called Fondamenta Serenella. I love the view you get here over to the main island. The fresh sea air along the street is so strong and refreshing. This is where many of the larger studios have open workrooms that the public can visit. Many of these furnaces have demonstrations showing off their craftsmen at work. These workshops, I think, would have been some of the best places to work as the cool sea air would have been the perfect way to cool down while working near the fire.

A Word about Factory Tours

Going to any Glass Factory tour and demonstration is always a bit of a shot in the dark. What you’ll see really depends on which artists are working that day. I’ve seen SO MANY people online complaining that they didn’t get an in-depth and highly skilled demonstration when they visited a workshop. Most of these demonstrations cost 3-5€ and feature a quick tour of their furnace, plus you’ll get to see an artisan at work. One of the most common demonstrations will feature a craftsman during molten glass and shaping it into a horse.

I recommend paying a higher price for the tours at the Former Church Santa Chiara Murano (which I will get into later), which are much more detailed and informative. But if you just want to see a quick example of how solid glass is moulded into a work of art, then these cheap and cheerful tours are a great option.

Guarnieri Glass Factory

The Guarnieri Glass Factory is one of my favourite shops. I have to say, I was drawn in immediately upon seeing the glass roses decorating the exterior of their workshop. This factory offers a 3€ tour which is short and sweet, but again, if you aren’t looking for something drawn out, it’s a great primer. The best part about this shop is its pieces of jewellery. I purchased a few pairs of earrings for 15€, which I will cherish forever. They have small animals for 15€, which is great for kids. I didn’t experience any pressure to buy, which is always a bonus for these shops.

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Ponte Saint Chiara

Head back to Fondamenta dei Vetrai, and cross over to the easternmost island. The bridge which leads over the canal is the Ponte Saint Chiara. From the center of the bridge, you have a gorgeous view over the canal towards the great Torre dell Orologio.

Former Church Santa Chiara Murano

Upon crossing over the bridge, head directly to your right through a set of wrought-iron doors. This side of Murano is much quieter, and the gateway feels as though it is meant to keep people out! But head right in, and make your way to the Former Church Santa Chiara Murano. This old monastery was originally inhabited by Augustinian Monks as early as 1231. They lived on Murano island before the glass craftsman was sent to set up their furnaces. Before then, the island was a quiet and peaceful place. The church changed hands many times, from the Augustinians to the Benedictines and then to the Franciscans. The Franciscan nuns of Santa Chiara were the last religious order to run the church, and this is where the current name of the building comes from.

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Fratelli Marietti Milan

When Napoleon invaded Venice, he deconsecrated many churches. And Santa Chiara was one of his victims. The church was transformed into a large glass factory in 1826 by glass manufacturer Fratelli Marietti Milan. But Milan didn’t think turning an old church into a glass factory might be a real challenge. He couldn’t keep up with the repairs the building needed. Eventually, he abandoned the building, and it was left in disrepair for ages of time.

Luckily, in 2012 the Belluardo family took it upon themselves to restore this aged monument of Murano. They transformed it from almost nothing more than a pile of bricks into this art gallery, event space and glass museum. Here you can enter the old church and participate in a glass-blowing experience with a twist! They both offer regular glass-blowing demonstrations but also have a unique love-themed experience! The concept was that glass craftsman’s enduring love for their work was one of the primary reasons this amazing art still resounds with people today.

Admission Information

With your admission, you get an entry into the Chiesa di Santa Chiara and a tour of the old church. The interior of this ancient place is amazing as it blends modern art with old bricks and beams. They use the space for events, and I can’t imagine how amazing it would be to participate in a great party under this roof! The tour also features a long glass-blowing demonstration.

Whereas the factory tours last about 5 minutes, you can watch artisans at work here for almost a whole hour. This means you’ll be able to see the creation of a more complex work of art from start to finish. You get what you pay for! Plus, there is a guide throughout your experience to answer any questions you might be curious about.

Ticket Prices: Adult: 8€ | ​Senior: 5€ | Student: 5€
Monday-Saturday at 12 PM and 3 PM

Gino Mazzuccato

Just down the street from the former church is the gallery of Gino Mazzuccato gallery. Founded in 1958, Gino Mazzuccato is one of the largest glass factories in Murano. While the former church focuses on an ancient craftsmanship, Gino Mazzuccato is all about modern and contemporary styles. This studio charges 5€ to see a demonstration, but it’s well worth the cost. Their 6,000-square-foot studio always has multiple artisans at work. They really take time to explain the process. Some other free demonstrations don’t have such accomplished workers on display.

If you are interested in buying an item, this is a great place to spend your money since they really have items that will suit many budgets! You can even buy some of the pieces they make for the demonstrations, which come at real savings. For 5€ you can get a small, blue glass horse and for 10€ a clear glass vase. While simple, these are a great way to remember your trip to Murano at a fraction of the cost.

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Calle Mioti

Walk east down the Calle Mioti, which turns north as you continue. This extremely narrow street is one of the island’s favourite little hidden gems. Here, in this less-visited portion of the island, between these tightly packed walls, is where the glassblowers would have lived for hundreds of years on Murano. While there might not be fancy palaces here, there is something authentic about the histories surrounding the crumbling brickwork.

Murano Lighthouse

Continuing along towards the water, see if you can spot the tiptop of the lighthouse sticking out over the houses. This is the Murano Faro. This lighthouse, which is still active today, was built in 1912. It has served for many years as the guiding light for so many residents as they return home.

The Murano Faro Vaporetto stop is located right beside the lighthouse. From here you can take a boat back to the city. As you drive away, think back to all the amazing things you saw here and imagine what it must have been like for citizens of Venice the first time they saw sand transformed into a work of art!

Murano is one of my favourite short-day trips from Venice, and if you travel all the way there, don’t skip coming to this island! Have you been to Murano before? Did you pick up any incredible works of art? Or are you saving for something truly special? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Travels Adventurers!