When people think of Venice, their minds often wander among the bridges, alleys, and squares of the historic center. But just a short boat ride away lies another side of the lagoon: a mosaic of islands, each with its own unique and captivating soul. Murano, Burano, and Torcello are not just tourist destinations; they are little worlds, rich in history and charm. Here are a few fascinating facts to discover before you set sail!
Murano: glassmakers under watchful eyes
In the Middle Ages, Murano’s glassmakers were so vital to the economy of the Serenissima that… they weren’t allowed to leave the island. Why? To protect the secrets of glassmaking, a cutting-edge craft at the time. Even today, visitors can witness this mesmerizing process in the island’s furnaces, where fire and sand are transformed into vases, goblets, and sculptures with hypnotic precision.
Burano: not just colorful houses, but lace and sweets too
Burano isn’t only known for its vividly painted houses. It also boasts two treasured traditions: lace-making and biscuits. Burano lace was already being exported across Europe in the 16th century, and you can still see artisans at work by hand at the Lace School. Then there are the bussolai: buttery, ring-shaped cookies that were once fishermen’s provisions. Simple, rich, irresistible.
Torcello: a glimpse of ancient Venice
Today, Torcello is quiet, green, and almost suspended in time, but it was one of the first inhabited areas of the lagoon. In the Middle Ages, it was a bustling city with over 10,000 residents, long before the Venice we know ever emerged. Now only a handful remain, but it’s worth the visit just to see the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and its Byzantine mosaics, among the oldest in all of Italy.
Want to explore these islands with an expert guide? Take a look at our daily tours through Murano, Burano, and Torcello:
