We began the day by taking the vaporetto to the island of Murano. Murano is historic center for fine glass blowing. When we boarded the vaporetto, it was very full and majority of the passengers looked like local residents. Most of them exited at the Cimitery stop, the walled cemetery on the island of San Michele.
Most of the remaining riders exited at first Murano stop while we opted for going around the island and exiting in less touristy spot. We were rewarded by great views of a beautiful area of the island minus the crowd. We exited at Museum stop and walked along the canals with frequent stops at the glass shops or at least pausing long enough by the window displays. One of the shops we visited had glass blowing demonstrations; we could feel the heat from the furnace as soon as we walked in the door.
Venetian glassmakers were relocated to Murano in 1291 officially because of the fire danger but most likely also in attempt to keep valuable skill a secret. It is still a home for many glass producing factories making it the longest lasting center of glass making in history. The quality and variety of glass is incredible. Even park sculptures are beautiful glass creations.
We indulged ourselves with a few souvenirs before leaving Murano to visit the next island.
The next island was Burano, famous for bright colored houses and excellent lace. We actually exited the vaporetto on adjacent island of Mazzorbo and walked across the bridge to Burano.
As we wandered thru the streets we saw some of the most impressive lace we have ever seen. The detail was so fine you almost have to have a magnifying glass to fully appreciate it. It is all done by hand with just a needle and thread. The colors of the houses provided an amazing contrast to the canals which made for a particularly picturesque setting. After a small souvenir and nice seafood lunch we moved on.
The last island we visited was Torcello. It is home for a 7th century church with beautiful Byzantine mosaic but unfortunately no pictures allowed. In front of it sits the throne said to be that of Atilla the Hun.
On the way back to apartment we stopped for groceries. We shopped like the locals at small neighborhood shops that offer a selection of locally produced meat, cheese, bread and wine among other things.
After dinner, we walked to the Grand Canal and took a ride on vaporetto to Piazza San Marco for night viewing. The basilica wasn’t illuminated as we were expecting but it still provided lovely views and we have a few pictures to show for it.
