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The small island of Murano is a mere 20 minute boat ride from the main islands of Venice and has housed a commercial port for art and jewelry since the 7th century. Murano is particularly known for its hand-made blown glass vases, jewelry, tableware, lamps, and other souvenirs for the knickknack lovers of the world.
If you have never come across a truly jaw dropping, “I need a picture of that!” experience, then Murano’s glass blowing factory should be on your list of ‘must sees.’ 
Just around the corner from the island’s main boat harbor is the factory where you can watch first hand as an expert glass-blower creates an incredible piece of art from sand in less than five minutes! The wall-to-wall glass art work in the factory’s gallery is just as inspiring.
You will not find this art form taught at just any art school across the globe; these skills are only passed down within families and take years to master. To become an expert glass blower can take nearly 20 years and a whole lot of practice to create the glass art found on Murano.
- Contributed by Shannon Dickey. Many thanks!
Go there off-season! It’s a beautiful island/village and really allows you to breathe freely again after the closed space and narrow streets of Venice itself. Soem of our pictures: http://duepadroni.web-log.nl/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/hpim2858_1.jpg
http://duepadroni.web-log.nl/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/hpim2871_1.jpg
http://duepadroni.web-log.nl/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/hpim2892_1.jpg
We also liked Burano e Torcello islands along the same route.
Many years ago my husband,son, and I visited Venice. We were offered a free boatride to the Murano factory. We didn’t buy any of their very expensive wares. We were shown the exit door. No knob on the othe side to get back in. We had to find our way back to Venice. We caught a “bus” back and thought maybe we should hve bought a chandelier.
We did enjoy the visit though. Amazing to watch the glassblowers.
I think I know where’s that factory !
It is a very interesting place. However, be careful when ordering. We had a bad experience which took the Italian ambassador to clear up.
In my opinion, they blew it.
Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures. Thanks for the good lecture.
We hear from many people who returned from Murano and Venice and realized they should have bought something there. Good news is it’s never too late- in this day and age you can find authentic Murano glass online, just be careful of cheap Chinese imitations. Remember- if a Murano glass item seems too cheap, it probably is not Murano. Read more about how to make sure you are getting an authentic item here: http://www.glassofvenice.com/services.php#mq5