Introduction
The islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello are situated in the Venetian Lagoon and are easily reached by vaporetto (water bus) from Venice. They all have a long history, dating back centuries, and offer a fascinating glimpse into Venetian culture.
The historic glass furnaces of Murano are still burning, and they are responsible for making it famous. Burano is known for lacemaking and the colorful houses that helped fishermen returning from sea find their way home. Torcello is a small island that often serves as an escape for tourists from the bustling hotspots in Venice. It also offers a window into the ancient past of the Venetian Lagoon.
A Brief History of the Islands
Murano
Murano is the most famous of the three islands due to its glassmaking industry, the best in the world. It was originally settled between the 5th and 7th centuries, primarily by people fleeing the mainland due to invasions led by Attila the Hun. It eventually became heavily engaged in fishing and salt production, part of the rapidly growing network of Venetian islands with Venice itself at the helm, which became rich off the sale of highly prized and hard-to-obtain commodity – salt.
The history of glassmaking in Murano starts in the year 1291, when all Venice glass furnaces moved here, and it was subsequently developed significantly as its own municipality and the center of the glassmaking industry in the Venetian Republic. In return for never leaving the island, the artisans were rewarded with a privileged social status. In this way, their glassmaking techniques were kept secret.
Murano glass reached the height of its popularity in the 15th and 16th centuries. In the 15th century, a master artisan, Antonio Barovier, developed the technique, Cristallo, a clear glass, making Murano glassmakers the only producers of mirrors in Europe. Other techniques, such as filigrina, were also developed at this time.
The glassmaking industry in Murano experienced a decline during the 17th century, but a revival began in 1854 when the Toso brothers opened the firm Fratelli Toso, initially producing household glass. However, they then switched to art glass, reviving old techniques.
Today, despite challenges, such as competition from companies producing cheap imitations of Murano glass and the cost of fuel, glassmaking has survived in Murano. It is well worth visiting the island to see the glass being blown and maybe to purchase one of the beautiful items.
Burano
It is thought that Burano was founded in the 5th century by refugees from the Italian mainland, in particular from Altino. As with Murano, they were fleeing from invasions led by Attila the Hun.
At first, Burano was a small settlement, administratively linked to Torcello, which, at that time, was more prosperous. However, Burano gained importance in the 16th century when the women of the island started to make lace, having been introduced to the craft by Venetian-ruled Cyprus. It wasn’t long before the lace was exported throughout Europe. However, trade declined in the 18th century and didn’t revive until 1872, when a lacemaking school was opened and lacemaking was revived. Burano is now one of the last hand-made lace centers in Italy.
Torcello
The island of Torcello was settled in 452 AD by Italians fleeing invaders, although it had been inhabited now and again for centuries before.
Torcello was a prosperous island for many years, eventually becoming the seat of the Bishop of Venice. However, in the 15th century, it started to decline due to its proximity to Venice, which was now flourishing, and due to outbreaks of the plague. The great palaces were dismantled, and Torcello’s thriving population decreased from 20,000 to the 11 people that live there today.
Reasons to Visit
Murano
Visit the Museo del Vetro (Murano Glass Museum)
The Museo del Vetro is a must-see when visiting Murano. It is located in the Palazzo Giustiniano, the former seat of the Bishops of Torcello.
In the museum, you will find the world’s most complete collection of Murano glass, showcasing glass from as far back as the Roman Empire right up to modern times. There are over 4,000 glass pieces housed in the museum in chronological order. There are also exhibitions explaining how different glassblowing techniques, such as filigree and millefiori, evolved.
The museum is open every day, and a typical visit lasts between one and one and a half hours. It is a good idea to take a tour as you will learn more about glassmaking, but these must be pre-booked.
Shop for Murano Glass
Many people looking to buy Murano Glass sooner or later come across the issue of seeing multiple fakes, shamelessly peddled by vendors both in and outside of Venice. However, if you visit the glass island itself, you have a much better chance of getting a piece of authentic and high-quality Murano glass. Visit an artisan’s workshop where you might be lucky enough to see a glass-blowing demonstration. If you wander around Murano, you often see the artisan at work in the back of a glass store.
There are many glass shops and workshops located near Campo Santo Stefano, a picturesque square, or along Fondamenta dei Vetrai.
Visit the Basilica dei Santa Maria e Donato and the Chiesa di San Pietro Martire
The Basilica di Santa Maria e Donato is a stunning church dating to the 7th century, the Duomo of Murano. It has many features that stand out, including the Byzantine-Romanesque architecture, mosaic floors from the 12th century, and a striking marble and gold apse.
One of the highlights of the church is displayed in the sanctuary behind the altar. Here you will find what are said to be the relics of a slain dragon. Who they really belong to, nobody knows.
The Chiesa di San Pietro Martire is not visited as much as the Basilica dei Santa Maria e Donato, so you are likely to have a peaceful visit. Enjoy the glass chandeliers, superb woodwork, and striking altarpieces in tranquility.
The church was built in the 15th century. Many of the paintings housed in it were moved to the Academia Gallery in Venice in the 19th century, but there are still a few paintings to appreciate, including ones by the Italian masters, Veronese, Bellini, and Tintoretto.
Stroll Along the Fondamento dei Vetrai
The Fondamento dei Vetrai is the main street in Murano. It runs alongside a quiet canal, and you will find glass shops, art workshops, and cafes here. Head down the side alleys to find family-run studios that offer better prices and more original pieces.
Along the Fondamento dei Vetrai, you will find buildings two or three stories high. Some are painted with brilliant splashes of color, others are pastel shades. Many still show traces of the old workshops. The galleries’ windows glimmer with chandeliers, vases, sculptures, and jewelry, all inviting you in.
Burano
Photograph the Famous Colorful Houses
The whole island of Burano looks like a rainbow with its bright, colorful houses. There are deep yellows, pea greens, reds, sky blues, and hot pinks, to name just a few. Many stories circulate as to why the houses were painted such bright colors. The most popular story is that the fishermen painted their houses these colors so that they could find their way home in the fog that covers the island when winter arrives.
There are plenty of opportunities to take photos of these houses, as there are so many on the island. One of the most stunning is the Casa di Bepi Sua, which is painted with bold geometric shapes. It belonged to a man called Giuseppe Toselli, who sold candy in the main square, earning him the nickname, ‘Bepi Sua’ or ‘Bepi of Candies’. It is said that in the 1980s, he would hang a white sheet over the facade of his house to make an outdoor cinema for children. It was, in fact, Bepi himself who painted the house, a house which is well worth taking a photograph of.
Visit the Burano Museum of Lace and Buy Burano Lace
Most shops in Burano sell lace, so you won’t have much trouble sourcing pieces to take home as a souvenir. If you want to learn more about the history of lace and how it is made, visit the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto). It brings to life the history and artistry of lace making, showcasing lace from the 16th century to the present day. You will see such items as veils, church vestments, and table linen. You will also see tools that have been used to make lace, and sometimes, there are live demonstrations.
See the Leaning Tower of San Martino
The Leaning Bell Tower can be found at Chiesa di San Martino Vescova. It is 53 meters high (174 feet) and leans because of the island’s unstable subsoil. Despite its precarious angle, it still tolls the hours.
The church is worth visiting as it is beautiful inside. Above the altar is the painting, ‘The Crucifixion’ by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, showcasing his use of light, color, and composition.
Visit the Tre Ponti
Like Venice, Burano has some interesting bridges. However, the Tre Ponti is the best as it is perfectly placed for photographic opportunities.
Tre Ponti means three bridges, and it is at the intersection of three bridges, each connecting to different areas of the island. This intersection serves as a meeting point for locals and visitors.
Torcello
Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta
This church is the oldest building on the island. It was founded in 639 AD, although most of what you see today was built in the 11th century. It held great importance as it was the Cathedral of Venice, but in 1451, the bishop’s seat was transferred to the Basilica di San Pietro di Castello in Venice. The seat was later moved again, this time to the Basilica di San Marco in 1807.
From the outside, the Basilica looks like nothing special as it is barely adorned. Inside, however, it is a different matter. There are some stunning mosaics to be seen, including the apse mosaic depicting the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus. On the west wall, there is a mosaic showing the crucifixion, a vision of hell, and the Last Judgement.
The basilica also houses the relics of two saints, Saint Heliodorus of Altino and Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music.
If you don’t mind heights, climb the tower next to the basilica. It is 55 meters high (180 feet) and is a classic Romanesque building, believed to have been built in 1008 AD. From the viewing gallery, you get a stunning view of the island and the northern part of the lagoon.
Torcello Museum
The Museo Provinciale di Torcello has a large collection of artifacts from the island and also from the mainland, including those from the Roman town of Altinum.
Some of the artifacts on display predate the Romans, such as the Etruscan ceramics and bronzes. In the Medieval section are artifacts from the early Christian to the Byzantine era, including fragments of a mosaic restored in the apse of the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta. There are paintings from a defunct church on the island and documents showing the rich life of Torcello many years ago.
See Attila’s Throne
This ancient stone seat is in the main square between the basilica and the museum. It is named after Attila the Hun, but there is no evidence that he ever sat on it. It is believed to date to the 6th century AD, around 100 years after Attila’s death. The seat was likely built for a local dignitary, possibly the bishop of Torcello.
Visit the Ponte del Diavolo
This Medieval stone bridge is one of only two in the Venice region that is still in its original state without a handrail.
There is an intriguing legend surrounding this bridge. It is said that in the 19th century, a local girl fell in love with an Austrian soldier from the occupying army. When he was murdered she went to a witch and made a pact with the Devil. If she brought a dead child on Christmas Eve for the next seven years, the soldier would be brought back to life. However, the witch was soon murdered as well, and the pact couldn’t be fulfilled. It is said that the Devil still lurks at the bridge on Christmas Eve in the guise of a black cat.
Tips on Planning Your Visit
How to Get to the Islands
The cheapest way to get to any of the three islands is by vaporetto. You can also get a water taxi, but this is more expensive. For the vaporetto, you can buy tickets that last for 75 minutes, 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days.
Murano is approximately a 20 – 30 minute vaporetto ride from Venice, depending on where you leave. If you depart from the Santa Lucia railway station or Piazzale Roma in Venice, take Line #3 (until 6 p.m.) or Line #4 (until 9 p.m.). From Piazza San Marco, take Line #7 until the early afternoon and Line #4 (until 9 p.m.). From Fondamente Nove, take Line #4 (until 11.30 p.m.). After that, there are night water buses. #NMU runs until 4.15 a.m., while Line #NLN runs from 11.20 p.m. – 2.57 a.m.
There is only one vaporetto to Burano, Line #12, which leaves from Fondamente Nove every 20 – 30 minutes. It takes between 40 and 45 minutes to get to Burano.
Take Line #12Â from Fondamente Nove to get to Torcello. If traveling until 8.40 a.m. or after 6.30 p.m., it runs directly. Between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., you have to change in Burano, where you take Line #9. The direct boats run until 10 p.m.
The Best Time to Visit the Islands
The best times to visit the islands are April – June and September – October. The temperature ranges from mild to comfortably warm, which is perfect for sightseeing. In addition, there aren’t the crowds you get in July and August, which can be overwhelming.  If, however, you visit in late October, there could be some disruptions to travel arrangements due to high water.
Where To Stay
While many people visit the islands just on a day trip, if you want a break from the crowds of Venice, you can stay the night.
Murano
Staying in Murano means treating yourself to life at a slower pace. Many people will have gone back to Venice for the night, so everywhere will be more peaceful. Take a walk under the stars or linger over a meal.
Al Soffiador HotelÂ
Al Soffiador is located at Viale Bressagio II, a street where you will find many glass shops. The hotel is a short walk from the Murano Faro vaporetto stop. It is the most economical option, but you still have all the creature comforts, such as air conditioning and WiFI. It has a bar and the restaurant serves an excellent breakfast.
Hyatt Centric Murano Venice
This is a magnificent hotel housed in a former glass factory, right on the canal at Rivalonga 49. It is right by the vaporetto stop at Murano Museo. The hotel pays homage to the island’s craftsmanship with handmade glass lamps and mirrors in the rooms. The hotel has a wellness center and spa, the Waterford Rivalonga Cafe for all-day dining, and the Spritz and Fizz cocktail bar.
Burano
Burano has an even quieter vibe than Murano, with few lights and little noise at night. There are no hotels on the island, but there are apartments to rent. Look online and check reviews to make sure you are getting a good deal. Staying here offers its own advantages for more of a local flavor than Venice; however, you may experience issues with going to Venice and back as vaporettos take time and are often full during the height of the tourist season.
Torcello
Locanda Cipriani
There is just one place to stay in Torcello, and that is in one of the five rooms at the Locana Cipriani. It had the honor of hosting Ernest Hemingway for a month in 1948. It is attached to a restaurant and is on Piazza Santa Fosca 29. It is currently closed but will be reopening in the spring of 2026.
Final Thoughts
If you have time after seeing all the main sights of Venice, the Venetian islands are well worth visiting: Murano for its glass, Burano for the colorful houses and lace, and Torcello for its ancient treasures. If possible, stay on one of the islands for at least one night to get a glimpse of what life was like before the Venetian Lagoon was flooded with tourists.
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