Murano

World capital of artistic glass production

Murano, a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, attracts visitors from around the world who are curious about the artistic creations of the master glaziers who are usually open the doors of their shops. Murano is also called the "island of fires" because of its numerous kilns that were moved from Venice to limit the risk of fire in the city.

The island of Murano is actually a cluster of small islands separated by canals and rivers, and connected by bridges. To thank the locals, refugees from Altino, who survived the barbarian invasions, gave Amuranium, its ancient name, a gate from their city of origin.

The flourishing glass industry, concentrated in Murano since the middle Ages, and its consequential economic importance, gave it a prestige that it was more independent compared to the other islands of Venice. The secrets of the trade, traditionally handed down from father to son and jealously guarded from important families, were protected by sanctions that prohibited its exercise those who were not enrolled in the art. The Glass Museum of Murano, held in Palazzo Giustina, beautifully illustrates the high specialization of glass art through pieces ranging from Roman times to the present day.

A building worthy of mentioning is The Basilica dedicated to Saint Mary and Saint Donato, contemporary to that of San Marco. The beautiful arcade apse preserves one of the most beautiful floors in the Veneto-Byzantine style where the colored marble mosaic tiles alternate with glass from the island's oldest kilns.

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