Murano

Murano is known worldwide for its craftsman made glass.

Glass-making was originally based in Venice but, as a precaution against fires, the Doge of Venice ordered all Venetian glass makers to move their furnaces to Murano in 1291.

In Campo Santo Stefano you can see Simone Cenedese’s Comet Glass Star, an abstract blue glass starburst sculpture celebrating this.

There are a number of glass blowers and artisans who allow visitors into their workshops to watch them create beautiful works of art. Some of the companies that own glass factories in Murano are among the most important brands of glass in the world: Venini, Alessandro Mandruzzato Ferro Murano, Barovier & Toso, Simone Cenedese, Pauly & C and Seguso.

In recent years there are a number of places in  Venice that sell fake Murano glass. These are produced cheaply in China. To combat this, there’s a trademark to protect Murano Glass. A good rule of thumb is that if the glass is cheap, it’s not Murano glass. If you buy direct from the producer, it will be genuine!

MURANO GLASS FACTORY TOURS

Most glass factories in Murano require pre-booking. Although you don’t need a tour to explore by yourself, they can be worthwhile.