Colorful Murano Houses: Where to Find Them and Why They’re Different from Burano

Tell me the truth: are you also convinced that only Burano has its colorful little houses? What if I told you instead that Murano also possesses beautiful buildings that are all colorful?

That’s right! They are not as well known as those in Burano nor do they make Murano famous, yet there are lovely little colorful houses here as well!

Are you wondering where to see colorful houses in Murano? You are in the right place! In fact, in this article I will explain where you can find them and what you should expect.

Discover the most hidden Murano: book your visit among the canals and colors and come discover what differences exist with the little houses of Burano!

Canale di Burano con caratteristiche casette colorate

BEST-SELLING

Murano, Burano and Torcello tour + Glassblowing demonstration

Discover a scenic boat tour of the islands of Venice with a visit to a Murano glass factory and glassblowing demonstration

Secure payment

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Where to see the colorful houses in Murano

Le casette colorate di Murano

The colorful little houses of Murano | ID 15293486 @ Andriy Dykun | Dreamstime.com

Although Burano is undoubtedly more colorful, Murano also has its own colorful features that make the island truly special.

Characterized by colors more akin to pastel shades, Murano’s colorful houses attract many visitors.

You can admire them in specific areas, especially on the main streets that mostly line the canals such as, for example, Fondamenta dei Vetrai, Fondamenta Marco Giustinian and on the Grand Canal.

There are several theories as to why there were very colorful little houses: the most popular idea is that they served to orient sailors in heavy fog.

However, there is another theory that considers the use of different color a way to distinguish different family lineages since there are not many surnames in Murano.

In any case, even if it is not a peculiar phenomenon as in the case of Burano, Murano’s colorful little houses are a sight to behold.

Moreover, they are attractive to more curious visitors, fascinated by the possibility of discovering the differences between the two islands in the lagoon.

Colors and architecture: Murano is not Burano

Murano’s houses are characterized by less bright colors than those of Burano and, above all, they do not turn out to be colorful all over the island.

According to some, the fact that the colorful houses are concentrated near the waterways is a synonym for authenticity, while Burano is characterized by the presence of a lot of color also for tourist reasons.

In addition, the colors of Murano’s houses are less uniform and not as perfectly groomed as Burano’s and could be further evidence of the authenticity of Murano’s colored houses.

Canale di Burano con caratteristiche casette colorate

BEST-SELLING

Murano, Burano and Torcello tour + Glassblowing demonstration

Discover a scenic boat tour of the islands of Venice with a visit to a Murano glass factory and glassblowing demonstration

Secure payment

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Why Murano is less known for color but more authentic

Tramonto su casette colorate di Murano a picco sul canale

Sunset over colorful Murano houses overlooking the canal | ID 80460449 @ Yuriy Melnyk | Dreamstime.com

Actually, both Murano and Burano have their own colored cottages actually for historical reasons: the color was of use as it allowed fishermen to locate their homes on days of dense fog.

In addition, although it is undeniable that Burano has actually made it a boast capable of attracting tourists, it should also be said that it is inherent in the island’s history to have colorful little houses.

Among the Buranelli there is a certain pride in their houses, even and especially if they are very brightly colored: did you know that Burano has been listed among the 10 most colorful places in the world?

This has caused Murano’s colorful little houses to take a back seat.

However, although less characteristic of the island, represented by its glass craftsmanship, they now give perhaps a more intimate and special atmosphere with less impact from mass tourism.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the colorful houses in Murano?

Murano’s colorful houses are mainly concentrated along the waterways on some of the main streets: Fondamenta dei Vetrai and Fondamenta Marco Giustinian.

Why are all the houses in Murano colored?

The houses on Murano are colored because they offered orientation to fishermen when they returned during days of intense fog: thus they could immediately recognize their home. According to other rumors, the different colors represented membership in different families since there were not many surnames on the island.

Which furnace to visit in Murano?

There are many furnaces in Murano, and all offer enriching experiences capable of marveling their visitors. Among the most highly regarded on the island are that of the Toso brothers, with its 170 years of activity, and the Colleoni Artistic Glassworks.

How much does it cost to visit a kiln in Murano?

Visiting a furnace in Murano has different prices depending on the services you will enjoy: the minimum price of a simple demonstration is 10 euros, but the average expense per visitor is 30 euros since guides or audio guides are also offered as well as the opportunity to participate in hands-on workshops. Some glassworks offer services with much higher costs but that include private tours, water cab transportation, and sometimes welcome cocktails. Finally, it is also possible to attend demonstrations for free when some glassworks hold open days.

Conclusions

We have come to the end of this article: now you know all there is to know about Murano’s colorful houses!

We read together what the differences are between Murano and Burano houses, what colors characterize one and the other, and why they are made that way.

I also explained where you can find them on the island of Murano. Now you have understood that Murano offers a more intimate and quiet discovery of its colors since that is not the main attraction of the island.

If the more colorful alleys of Burano are often “clogged” with tourists, the same cannot be said of Murano, which offers relaxation and a slow and magical discovery of its colorful peculiarities.

Finally, I answered the most common questions about the colorful houses you can find in the Venice lagoon and in general the questions visitors often have about the island of Murano.

Do you have other curiosities to satisfy? Don’t hesitate and leave us a comment– we would be happy to answer them! Likewise, we would be happy to read about your experience if you have already poked around the colors of the island famous for its glass instead.

Are you a person who likes to quietly and peacefully discover every corner of the places you visit? Discovering the colorful little houses of Murano is for you: an experience of “slow life,” peace and colors!

Canale di Burano con caratteristiche casette colorate

BEST-SELLING

Murano, Burano and Torcello tour + Glassblowing demonstration

Discover a scenic boat tour of the islands of Venice with a visit to a Murano glass factory and glassblowing demonstration

Secure payment

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket