Canale Grande and other Murano, Italy Things to Do Tips

Murano, which actually consists of 5 islets linked by bridges has its own Canal Grande winding its way through the islets. Strolling around here admiring its palaces and smaller canals branching off is quite delightful - Venice in miniature without the crowds in fact :-) Note there is just one big iron bridge which crosses the Canal Grande!

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The smaller canals of Murano are picturesque, a great place to wander and explore the little shops and restaurants - most of the restaurants in fact are cheaper than ones on Venice so its a good place for a lunch stop. There are little bridges to cross over the canals too.

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Several of the glass factories (and there are many on Murano!) are open for the public to view the glass blowing process and have information boards on the wall explaining the process.
We spnt anout 20-30 mins watching the largest one on Murano - Formia - and it was really interesting to watch the skilled artisans at work. The glass is expensive (I didn't buy any) but it is fascinating to see the glass blowers at work, even for just a few minutes of your time.

Note that free trips may be offered here by reps in Venice but you will be expected to make your own way back if you don't buy anything! Remeber you don't have to come in a group just pop into one whilst spending some time on Murano at your own leisure

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Directions: centre of Murano
Website: http://www.formiaglass.it/

Of course if coming to Murano you most likely want to see the famous venetian glass and the best place is the Glass Museum. The Museo Vetrario, or Glass Museum, is located in the Palazzo Giustinian near the island's center. Samples of glass from Egyptian times through the present day, and the displays show how the art and manufacture of glass developed over the centuries.
Its fusion and blowing techniques reached their height in the 1500's and their glass monopoly lasted until the 1700's. Entrance was about 4 euros, its not a huge museum but worth a visit. Museum opened every day except Wednesdays.

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Address: Canale di San Donato.
Directions: centre of Murano

Inside the glass museum the main largest room has the enormous chandelier suspended from its ceiling and beautiful paintings there too. Another feature in this room that really caught my eye though was the table dcorations that were really popular in the 19th century - this one in the main pic shows my favourite, a large italinate garden of glass. Have a look and a rest in the outside courtyard of the museum. A chance to sit in the shade and also to see some archaeological findings.

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Murano is not only famous for its glass but also for the renowned chuch of Santi Maria e Donato - found almost next door to the museum on the Canale di San Donato.
Its reputed to be the oldest church in Venice with its foundations going back to the 7th century and its striking bell tower dating from the 12th century. It was dedicated to Saint Donato after his bones were brought back from Cephalonia. Along with Saint Donato came the bones of a dragon that he killed. These "dragon bones" can be seen hanging in the church. Pop inside if its open and also admire the marble and moasic floor depicting peacocks, griffins and eagles etc..

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The other interesting church on Murano is the Romanesque church of San Pietro Martire. Its well worth a look if its open for its lovely chandeliers and a glass (of course what else on Murano!) baptismal font plus paintings by Tintoretto, Bellini and Veronese. Note though that the churches here are usually closed between 12-4pm.

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Address: Fondamente Vetrai

On our last visit to Murano I remebered to vist the sacristy and small museum, reached through a door in the north wall. Its a small room lined with wonderful near life-size wood carvings of Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Nero, and Socrates. Several other rooms can be visited on the upper floor too - showing tapestries and cerominal church objects. No entrance fee as such but a1- 2 euro donation is welcomed.They didn't seem to mind photography in here either.

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Behind one of the churches (I think it was San Pietro) we discovered this quiet courtyard - not a soul but us - with its wonderful gothic architecture. It reminded me very much of the Raggione Palace and steps in Verona.

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There are several boat stops around Murano and at the Faro stop you can see Murano's lighthouse - still functional. Its a nice promenade area here with its views across the lagoon and it was fairly lively at night with cafes too.

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