Most first-time visitors to Venice spend the majority of their time around its (rightfully) famous Saint Mark’s Square. Those with a bit more time in Italy also fit in a visit to Murano, a nearby island.
Or perhaps I should be more precise and say islands. Murano Venice is actually a collection of 7 individual islands, all linked together by bridges.
This is the place to go if you’re interested in the renowned Murano glass. Most people come here to tour a glass factory and watch a glass-blowing demonstration … and maybe even buy a few hand-blown glass souvenirs.
Murano has a totally different atmosphere than Venice does, and we promise you’ll enjoy it.
What to see and do in Murano Italy
Once you’ve seen Venice’s main attractions, set your sights on the Venetian Lagoon. Murano and Burano are the two best islands to visit, so this article is about visiting Murano.
Since Roman times, people have lived on the island of Murano, and each century has added its own style of building to the island. They’re all still there, all vying for attention, and that makes Murano such a fantastic destination.
Stepping off the boat brought us into a different world. Suddenly we were on a quieter, more laid-back island. Murano comes complete with its own Grand Canal, fascinating glass shops, and romantic sidewalk cafes.
We visited both on our own, but if you want to make the most of your time in Venice, it’s best to take a tour. Get Your Guide has many organized trips to Murano, but the most popular is the Murano and Burano Half-Day Glass and Lace Tour.
Unfortunately, we were on an Adriatic cruise and only had a few hours on the island. We were able to see the highlights though, so here’s my list of the top things to do in Murano. If you have more time or take a guided tour, I’m sure you’ll see even more than we were able to.
1. Museo del Vetro glass museum
If you’re interested in the art of glass making, Museo del Vetro is for you. This history museum showcases Venetian glass techniques over the centuries, and displays varieties of glass from as far back as Egyptian times.
The building itself has served a number of purposes over its lifetime: first built as a patrician’s palace, it became home to the bishops of Torcello in 1659, then two centuries later it became Murano’s town hall. It only became a museum when Murano was annexed to Venice in 1923.
- Admission is €10 (some discounts are available).
- Find it at: Fondamenta Giustinian 8, Murano, Venice, Italy, +39 041 5274718
2. Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato
Dating from the 7th century, the Basilica of Saint Mary and Saint Donatus is the duomo for Murano Island. Inside, exquisite, Ravenna-quality Byzantine mosaics cover its floor and dome. Outside, the bell tower, like most bell towers, is separate from the Church.
While many churches contain the bones of saints, this basilica contains more than just the relice of St. Donatus. Suspended behind the altar are four rib bones, measuring more than 1 meter long. According to legend, these bones came from a dragon that St. Donatus slew in Greece. Who knows? Maybe it’s true.
- Find it at: Campo San Donato 11, Murano, Venice, Italy
3. Chiesa di San Pietro Martire
The Roman Catholic Church of Saint Peter the Martyr (Chiesa di San Pietro Martire) was built in 1506 and still functions as a parish church.
This naked brick building is popular with tourists because it houses the chapel of the Ballarin family, notable for their glassmaking skills. It also has excellent Renaissance art works by artists such as Tintoretto and Bellini.
- Find it at: Chiesa di San Pietro Martire, Murano, Venice
4. Campo Santo Stefano
Campo Santo Stefano is best known for Simone Cenedese’s “Comet Glass Star,” an abstract blue glass starburst sculpture in the middle of the square. Next to it are the Church of St. Stephen and a 19th century clock tower. Both dominate the island and can be seen from far away.
That’s probably why this is one of the most-visited spots on the island.
- Find it at: Campo Santo Stefano, Murano, Venice, Italy
5. Palazzo da Mula
The Palazzo da Mula is one of the last remaining examples of Venetian Gothic architecture. The building was once a luxurious summer residence of the Venetian patricians, who could afford an ornate facade with large Gothic windows.
What made this palace unique was that it had a garden and courtyard. Due to the high price of land in the island empire, most Venetian palaces were unable to have that.
- Find it at: Fondamenta da Mula, Murano, Venice, Italy
6. Murano glass factories
As a precaution against fires, the Doge of Venice ordered all Venetian glass makers to move their furnaces (fornaci) to Murano in 1291. This worked out well, as glass was becoming a coveted craft. Moving to another island kept the workshops safe from prying eyes that were eager to steal the secrets of the trade.
It wasn’t long until the island of Murano became associated with the most coveted and high quality glass in the world.
Things have changed over the years. Murano’s reputation is so secure that many factories now offer factory tours and glass blowing demonstrations as well as glass artistry workshops, where you can try your hand at glass making and leave with your own souvenir.
Looking back, I regret not booking a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experience like that. We seriously missed out.
7. Venetian glass shops
The island of Murano is best known worldwide for its exquisite, blown glass. If you’re not in the market for glass and just want to look at it, it’s still fun to visit a shop. Just about every Murano glass factory has a showroom where they display their best products.
Besides Murano glass, few other souvenirs are worth buying. Don’t waste your time in a souvenir shop. That is, unless you’re in the market for postcards and other standard tourist stuff.
ⓘ TIP: No matter where you travel, never sign a contract that’s not in English. Use a healthy dose of skepticism if anyone offers to “translate” it for you.
Why should you visit Murano?
In addition to these “must-see” Murano tourist attractions, there’s an even more important “must-do” item you must put on your itinerary: Savor every moment. Avoid the temptation to rush from place to place so you can squeeze everything in.
You will miss so much if you rush past the island’s many ancient buildings, beginning with all those details that make Murano so uniquely Venetian, and ending with the quirky things that its creatives have sprinkled around their island.
Murano doesn’t just live in its past glory. It has a fun, modern vibe as well. We got a real kick out of these zany lamp posts.
The most precious thing about travel is the opportunity it offers to expand your horizons. It’s a chance to see new things, experience new traditions, meet new people, taste new foods.
We’ve learned that Italy should not be rushed. Take a bit of time to just sit and watch Murano’s daily life: exasperated mothers with crying children, excited teens with cell phones in their ears, wizened old ladies walking hand-in-hand with their beloved husbands.
Sit quietly in a church for a while and savor its peace. Sip a glass of the local wine and enjoy the waiters’ foreign chatter.
Just because you can. It’s all part of the travel experience.
This is your trip and your opportunity. You’ll make the most of it by taking your time.
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Murano FAQs
Even if you’re on a tour of northern Italy and have limited time in Venice, you can visit Murano. Here are some answers to common questions:
How do I get to Murano from Venice?
Getting to the island of Murano is pretty straightforward. Catch Line 4.2 at the San Zaccaria vaporetto stop, which is near Piazza San Marco. This line will take you there in about 40 minutes.
Alternatively, Line 4.1 will get you there in about an hour. Stop at Colonna for glassblowing demonstrations. Museo is better for the Glass Museum and the Basilica.
Where can I stay on Murano?
Staying on the island of Murano is the perfect way to enjoy all the glass island has to offer. Imagine exploring after the tourists have left for the day!
Murano Palace offers an exceptional experience and gets good reviews. For other places to stay in Murano Italy, click here.
Can I book a tour to Murano?
Sure! Plenty of companies offer guided tours. Some visit only one island while others include Murano, Burano and Torcello islands on one trip. Burano is a must because of all the colorful houses.
These tours are run by reputable operators. They will bring you to factories that create and sell real Murano glass at a fair price.
How can you tell if Murano glass is real?
Because so many souvenir shops have tried to pass off cheap Chinese counterfeits as authentic Venetian glass, all true Murano glass now carries a label. Shops and showrooms that sell real Murano glass art will always display the “Vetro Murano Artistico” trademark decal.
Are there any scams to be aware of?
Yes. Beware of the touts offering a “free” excursions to watch glass blowing in Murano or the lace-making in Burano. It’s a common scam, and they get a kickback from the shop. You’ll often get a crowded shop, high pressure, and a higher final price.
Do I need a visa to enter Italy?
Italian visa policy allows foreign citizens of over 90 countries to visit Italy without a visa. Italy is a Schengen area country, however. To find out if you need a visa for the Schengen Zone, click here.
At the time of writing, as of November 2023, foreign citizens who do not need a visa for the Schengen Zone will need to apply for an ETIAS visa to enter.
Plan your Murano excursion with these helpful links
| VENICE TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS |
|---|
| ✔ Travel Guide: This book is a top seller on Amazon. ✔ City Card: Get free skip-the-line entry to 8 attractions with My Special Venice City Card. ✔ Flights: The code for Venice Marco Polo airport is VCE. Check flight prices. ✔ Accommodation: We liked Hotel Paganelli. Browse lodging on Agoda ● Vrbo ● Hostelworld ✔ Airport transfer: Prebook transportation to your hotel ✔ Visas/ETIAS for the EU: Check if you need one and apply here. ✔ Travel Insurance: Compare World Nomads and SafetyWing ✔ Getting around: In Venice, travel by foot, gondola or vaporetto. Outside of Venice, take Flixbus, or rent a car. ✔ Tickets & tours: Find dozens of fun ideas on GetYourGuide and Take Walks ✔ Organized trips: G Adventures has insanely affordable small-group tours + guaranteed departures. ✔ International SIM card: Drimsim allows for roaming-free travel in 229 countries |
ⓘ TIP: Want to add an extra country to your itinerary? Venice has ferries that go to the Greek Islands.
Thanks for your beautiful review of Murano. It’s my island, I always appreciate when his beauty is narrated around the world.
You’re welcome. We’re glad you liked it. Since it’s your island, would you like to recommend any other things to do in Murano?
Really beautiful photos! Visiting Murano is definitely one of my favorite thins to do in Venice. Love the detailed post of what see and do on the island! Especially that you mentioned to watch out for the authenticity of the glass – I see far too many people getting caught in the trap.
Yes, few things can ruin a vacation like discovering you’ve been cheated. we hope we have helped some people avoid that scam.
Very inspirational post, Linda. We visited Murano some years ago, and it was a pleasure to rediscovered these beautiful sites in your post. I remember we visited a glass factory from were we bought some small clocks for my kitchen. They had different, funny shapes. Every single thing they make on this island of so beautiful and delicate! Did you buy any souvenirs too?
No, but I saw some beautiful vases so perhaps we will get one once we have a permanent home. Fragile mementos make us nervous, with all our moving about.
Visiting the glass factories seems like an awesome experience.
It is, and that’s why we included tours as well as DIY options.
I’ve been to Venice twice but I haven’t had time to venture to Murano either time. I need to go back! I would love to look at the glass there! Your closing thought about taking time to sit and savor a glass of wine is good for me to read. I travel at fast speed, trying to fit everything in, and get antsy just sitting. But that is the finest way to enjoy Italy, I’m sure!
We’re convinced that the Italians have perfected the art of slow living. Somehow, we don’t think of savoring a glass of wine (or a coffee) at a sidewalk cafe often enough. Like you, we try to see as many sights as we can while we’re in a country.
If you do return to Venice, be sure to see Burano too. The lace is exquisite, and the rainbow-colored houses keep your camera busy. Speaking of slowing down, Dan spent an hour there walking around with his camera, and I waited for him with wine … We were both in heaven.
thank you, Linda. I am planning to visit with my sister and nephew. Definitely, those information will be helpful for me. thanks for sharing this post.
Glad you liked it, Naveen.
Thank you, Linda !
Venice is a poetry. I’m glad I could experience it. Though my stay in Venice was short, I could grasp its essence. You are right, Italy shouldn’t be rushed. It’s so interesting to savor the everyday living there.
I’m glad you had a chance to experience its charms, Renuka. Have you been anywhere else that needed time to savor?
I love the pictures. Venice appears to be so peaceful, historic and gorgeous. Some of my golf friends have recommended me to make a trip to this beautiful place, but I haven’t had a chance yet. This article has added up to my passion and curiosity in Venice. Thank you for posting and sharing the tips!!
You’re welcome, Paul. There are some nice courses near Venice. I hope you’ll manage to find a nice balance between the green and sightseeing, because your memories of the canals and bridges will last a lifetime. 🙂
Murano looks amazing! A friend of mine was there two years ago and was truly impressed. And I am planning to visit it next year – so I’m glad to discover even more things to see and do in Murano 🙂
Oh, lucky you. We know you will have a wonderful time. Be sure to visit Burano as well, and bring your camera!
Hey would you say a day in Murano and a day in Burano is enough to have an explore and take photos & try some dining? I am there in January 🙂
Absolutely, Priti. That’s what we did. Our stories about Murano and Burano are the result of only one day on each island.
Venice is such a special place. Full of not just wonderful architecture and history but some of the best glass art in the world
It does indeed. We have also been fortunate to visit two other exquisite sites. Moser Glass in the Czech town of Karlovy Vary makes luxury Bohemian crystal and the House of Waterford Crystal in Waterford, Ireland.
I enjoyed your blog 🙂
i have made a film in a glass factory in Murano with a brief explanation of how to do a few pieces of glass.
check this video :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dE3k6QDBnQ4
Thank you for sharing your video. 🙂
Linda, I enjoyed your blog and video post for Murano. We are headed that way in 32 days (but who’s counting), and found your offerings very helpful in making a final decision to go. It’s certainly nice to see some things other than the glass museum for visiting. The Basilica of Saint Mary and Saint Donatus and its mosaics will make a good primer for our stop in Ravenna later in the trip. We’re figuring that St. Mark’s will be a challenge to absorb. Once again, thank you for some great information. Caio!
You’re more than welcome, Mark, and I’m so glad our story has inspired you to go! I’m happy for you and I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time. We absolutely adore Italy and would live there if we could. By the way, since you’re planning a stop in Ravenna, perhaps you’ll also enjoy reading our article about Ravenna and Her Mosaics.
Please do come back after your trip and share any other treasures you discover. I’m sure other readers will appreciate it.
I had no idea that Murano was known as the “Glass Island,” but after reading about its glass factories, I can certainly see why it is referred to that way. You listed so many amazing sites that I would love to see on this island, and I can hardly wait to add it to my list of future travel destinations. In fact, I may have to move it to the top of the list for next summer. Other than the glass factories, what would you say is the number one must see attraction or place in Murano?
Considering that the island is known for its glass, I’d say the #1 attraction is the glass museum, Audrey. That said, the architecture in Venice is so impressive that Palazzo da Mula comes in a close second.
Actually just walking through the streets is an attraction in itself. And speaking of the architecture, if you do go, be sure to visit the more colorful Burano, which is known for its lace.
We really need to give Venice another chance…I think we had gone at the wrong time – end of our 7 countries Europe road trip, smack in the middle of August, we find it really crowded and hard to navigate, plus only had a day so felt very rushed with the kids…and after all the outdoor stunning landscapes in Slovenia and Croatia, it wasn’t the right time to be in Venice..reading your post, looking at all the beautiful images, colourful houses and your words – travel is the opportunity to enjoy a different way of life. This is your trip, your opportunity. Seize it – very inspirational 🙂
We loved travelling in Italy so much, hope to be back sometime in the future. Perhaps will give Venice another chance!
One day in Venice … with kids? In the August heat and crowds? Goodness, you never had a chance to enjoy yourselves! Yes, go at a different time of year and take some time to do nothing. Venice is meant to be savored, in my opinion. Dan and I love wandering through its residential areas.
Then again, when you get right down to it, that’s all we’ve ever done. Do you know, we have yet to visit the Cathedral of St. Mark or the Duomo? I keep telling Dan that one of these days we really need to go back and play tourist.
You article reminds me when I went to Murano with my partner. It was amazing, we thought to visit an island similar to Venice but we did not know about the beautiful Murano glass. We discovered it there and we literally fell in love with it. I hope one day to go back there and perhaps visit one of the furnaces.
So do I. We spent so much time exploring the island and looking at glass shops we never actually visited an actual furnace!
Hi Linda! Your post is very useful to me as I’m planning a trip to Murano Island. I would surely visit the 7 must-see places you’ve recommended. Yeah, the island is home of magnificent Murano glass factories and shops that manufacture masterpieces in several varieties. Looking forward to a wonderful time there!
Beautiful place, I agree. I’ve seen it before but I would see it again anytime…
Wow! These photos are gorgeous! What a lovely mix of history, architecture, artisan crafts and my favorite, FOOD!
Busted. I admit that our lunch was a highlight.
Hi Linda, I am planning to go to Venice visiting the Biennale. After reading your blog, I would like to also take the opportunity of going to Murano. I really like Palazzo Da Mula you took a picture of, do you know if it is open for tourists?
Actually, I tried to research if it is possible to visit Palazzo da Mula when I wrote the article but I was never able to find out. I hope one of our other readers will be able to answer that question.
Somehow I submitted my comment without the rest of what I wanted to say….
I agree totally with sitting back with your glass of wine and truly take it all in. This is our favourite way of enjoying wherever we are. People watch, be present and really take time out to “see” the place.
Haha, I thought I caught one of the Wiggles in one of your photo’s!
Great photo’s and memories – it inspired my own wonderful memories. My family spent a week in Venice in 2011. I really loved the day we spent on Murano. It was great to have my kids see the glass blowing demonstration, and I did enjoy a bit of glass shopping! Nothing crazy though!
We enjoyed looking in the shops and windows but didn’t buy anything. We’re minimalists at heart; if we don’t need it we don’t buy it. Rather spend the money on travel. 🙂