Murano, Veneto

Off the northern coast of Venice, nestled in the blue-green waters of the gulf, Murano sits shrouded in 1000 years of mystery. Murano is known for secrecy and for being the cradle of the world's most beautiful glass creations.

History
Venetian glass dates back to as early as 500 BC, taking the form of vials and small vases. In 1291, the production of glass was so significant that the factories were moved exclusively from Venice to Murano. It was thought that this separation would prevent the possibility of fire spreading throughout the city from the hot glass-making ovens.

The separation marked Murano as the glass-making island. The secrets of the trade were so carefully guarded that glassmakers, or vetrai, had to be born on the island to get their hands on an oven. During the republic, a glassmaker who left the island would be condemned to death as a traitor.

During the Middle Ages, the glass produced on Murano was put to functional use for goblets and jars. During the Renaissance, glass won the favor of the royal and noble classes. Murano emerged as the world leader in glass production, and its craftsmen began to make decorative vases, bowls and figures. In the 18th century, competition from other countries threatened Murano glass and the production dropped. Giuseppe Briati was the master glass blower who sustained Murano through the recession. In the mid-19th century, a sudden interest in antiques brought buyers back to Murano.

Sights
Glassmakers are revered as artists and held in high esteem. You can walk along the waters of the Rio dei Vetrai, appropriately named the river of the glassmakers, and see the master craftsmen as they spin and blow glass next to the fiery bellies of their ovens. The shops that allow an audience for this process have the word fornace, or furnace, printed on the shop. The glassmakers sell vases, chandeliers, mirrors, necklaces, drinking glasses, plates, bottles and ornaments.

The Museo Vetrario is also home to some of the finest glass pieces. It is located just off the Canale Grande di Murano and is open daily except Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Palazzo da Mula often exhibits glass and is located over the only bridge that spans the Grand Canal.

Along the Canale di San Donato you will come across a church with foundations that date back to the 7th century, the Chiesa dei SS Maria e Donato. Byzantine and Roman influences are found in the architecture, including a mosaic pavement that dates 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. The "dragon bones" hang in the church today.

Transportation
Murano is just a quick water taxi ride from Venice.

Links
http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/murano_the_glass_island.htm