Murano Island: Unraveling a Piece of Venice’s History
Venice, one of Italy’s most renowned cities, is often associated with its exquisite architecture, romantic ambiance, and tranquil canals. However, Venice is not just about its mainland; it’s also about its islands. And among all the islands, one stands out – Murano Island. Known as the «little sister» of Venice, Murano Island is situated a little distance away from the city and is famous worldwide for its glass production.
In this article, we will explore Murano Island and some of the must-see destinations if you decide to visit this island.
A Brief History of Murano Island and Its Glass
Before we delve into the places to see in Murano, it’s essential to talk about its history. The island was almost uninhabited over 800 years ago until the end of the 13th century when Venetians migrated to the island to mitigate the risk of fires in Venice. Glass production requires extremely high temperatures, which were deemed too dangerous for the structures of Venice’s houses.
Since that time, Murano Island has gained worldwide acclaim for the quality of its glass making. Today, many artisans and glass factories produce artistic glass pieces that hold tremendous value.
What to See in Murano Island
No trip to Venice is complete without a visit to Murano Island. Its tiny separation from Venice makes it an easy visit, and you can get here via a vaporetto. But what places should you not miss on this island?
1. The Murano Cathedral
The Murano Cathedral is a beautiful basilica that dates back to the 7th century, but its current structure was built in the late 12th century. The cathedral was built in honor of Saint Mary and Saint Donatus and has various valuable pieces, including a 13th century mosaic, a 1140 glass pavement, and a painting by Paolo Veneziano. The cathedral’s breathtaking colonnade makes it a magical place.
2. Murano Glass Museum
Murano’s fame for glass making means that it would be remiss not to have a museum dedicated to the material. This museum is located in the Palazzo dei Vescovi di Torcello, a Gothic-style building that was founded to overcome one of the glass industry’s significant crises.
The museum has nine exhibition rooms, featuring a permanent collection of masterpieces that showcase the artisans’ talent. Today, the museum is continually expanding through the purchase of works and donations from glass masters.
3. Murano Island’s Churches
In addition to the Murano Cathedral, the island has two other beautiful churches, namely the Santa Maria degli Angeli Church located in the Grand Canal and the San Pietro Martire church, which was reconstructed in 1551 and dedicated to the Apostle Peter.
Murano Island once had up to 18 churches, convents, and monasteries. However, when Napoleon came to the island, only the cathedral and the two churches mentioned earlier were spared.
4. Murano Island Lighthouse
The Murano Island lighthouse is made of white Istria marble and reaches a height of 34 meters. It is situated on the outermost edge of the island, facing the lagoon. The lighthouse is one of the stops for the vaporetto on the island.
5. Berengo Contemporary Art Museum
The Berengo Contemporary Art Museum is home to Adriano Berengo’s collection and exhibits different itinerant exhibitions.
However, to appreciate the island’s true beauty, nothing beats a stroll through its streets, allowing you to immerse yourself in its magic.
In conclusion, visiting Murano Island is a must when in Venice. The island’s history, glass-making heritage, and beauty serve as a reminder of the intricacies that make Venice one of Italy’s most treasured cities.
