Murano: The Home of Venetian Glass

Located just north of Venice is Murano, a tiny island that measures a mile across but has become renowned worldwide for its glassmaking.

The story of Murano glass actually begins in Constantinople, which in the beginning of the 13^th century was sacked by Western Europe in the Fourth Crusades. Many craftsmen fled the city for Italy, with many arriving in Venice. More artisans came in the following centuries, supplying Venice with a vibrant culture of glass working. Fearing a potential fire in a city of wooden buildings, the Venetian Republic ordered the destruction of all foundries in the city and encouraged the industry’s relocation to Murano.

Murano’s Venetian Lagoon, Italy © Maigi | Dreamstime

By the 14^th century, the glassmakers developed their craft to the point of holding a monopoly on high-quality glass, perfecting various techniques like smalto (enameled glass), aventurine (glass with threaded gold) and lattimo (milk glass). Glassmakers were venerated in Venetian society, even allowing their daughters to marry into noble families. This was done in order to protect the city’s trade, forbidding glassmakers to leave the Republic and punishing the divulgence of craft secrets with death, though many were able to escape and set up foundries as far as England.

Murano Glass Furnace © Giuseppe Anello | Dreamstime

Murano glassmakers went on to expand their skills, introducing new glassworks like mirrors and chandeliers, known by the city as ciocche, or “bouquet of flowers,” made famous by Giuseppe Briati of the 18^th century. Unfortunately the industry has shrunk over the past few centuries, with less than 1,000 glassworkers in Murano today.

© Mihai – Daniel Francu | Dreamstime

Visitors from around the world still travel to the island for its famed glasswork. Pauly & C. has the oldest glass factory in the city, and there are numerous small shops that offer tours and demonstrations of their work. If you want to learn more about the history of the art, visit the Murano Glass Museum in the Palazzo Giustinian.