What to See in Murano: The Must-See Attractions on the Island of Glass

Glass is the island’s witness: as if it has been writing its history for many centuries, today it continues to tell Murano to its visitors!

But there is much more to this corner of the lagoon ! Are you wondering what the main attractions of Murano are and what you can do on this island?

You’re in the right place: in this article I’ll tell you what this gem just a few minutes by vaporetto from Venice has to offer, pointing out the most classic stops.

Short on time but don ‘t want to give up exploring the island? Fear not: I will also provide you with a short itinerary so you won’t miss anything salient.

But wait! You don’t like queues do you? Then book your visit to Murano online: no lines and big savings for you. Just the beauty and magic of the glass island after a simple click!

Murano’s main attractions

Murano is a small island, which allows you to visit it, if you wish, even in a short time; but don’t let that fool you! There are not a few attractions and activities it offers.

It is perhaps the best known island in the Venice lagoon, precisely because of its craftsmanship: for centuries now Murano has been known as the home of glass.

However, it knows how to satisfy the tastes of all visitors, offering the possibility of beautiful natural views, stunning churches, and even intriguing destinations for art lovers.

Byzantine mosaics, legends and relics, artwork by the likes of Veronesi, and much more on the Glass Island!

Roman Column

Vaporetto arrival at “Murano Colonna” stop | ID 300480036 @ Ciolca | Dreamstime.com

The first attraction I want to tell you about is the Roman column that gives the vaporetto stop “Murano Colonna” its name.

We start with this column precisely because it is the first attraction you will see, right after the first step you take on the island!

It was originally the column that served as a pedestal for the doge’s statue, but what made it famous was the fact that Galileo Galilei used it as a reference point while perfecting his telescope.

The Glass Museum

Glass candy, Murano artifact | ID 20910248 @ Alessandro0770 | Dreamstime.com

Continuing my account of Murano’s attractions, I cannot fail to mention the Glass Museum-no need to even explain why!

If glass is the island’s main attraction, we could define its Museum as the keeper of the history of this material and its processing that is intertwined with that of Murano itself.

Inside the Museum you can appreciate real works of art: located in Palazzo Giustinian, it contains exhibits from the past and present as well as a part dedicated to processing and another to temporary exhibitions.

Basilica of Saints Mary and Donatus

Cathedral Basilica of Saints Mary and Donatus | ID 136512985 @ Juergen Schonnop | Dreamstime.com

Art and the sacred meet in Murano! If you are curious, then, you must not miss the Basilica of Saints Mary and Donatus.

The Basilica is the cathedral of Murano and inside it houses a very precious Byzantine mosaic floor dating back to the 12th century.

The marble mosaics and polychrome glass pastes tell the story of what was typical medieval craftsmanship in this area, which can be admired inside the basilica that dates back to the 7th century!

Here you can also find the relics of St. Donatus of Arezzo who, according to legend, killed a dragon simply with the sign of the cross.

Cathedral of St. Clare

Glass working by a master glassmaker | ID 10441524 @ Timurk | Dreamstime.com

St. Clare’s Cathedral also blends art and the sacred in its own way: now deconsecrated, it was once the home of Franciscan nuns.

Today it is known as The Glass Cathedral, guess why? Because right here you can watch a demonstration of glass making at the hands of master glassmakers!

A truly unique and magicalopportunity in a truly picturesque and distinctive location. After all, attending a glassblowing demonstration is one of the must-do activities on the island.

Fondamenta dei Vetrai

Fondamenta dei Vetrai | ID 128186391 @ Marcorubino | Dreamstime.com

It is true that the opportunity offered by the glass cathedral is mouthwatering, but witnessing a demonstration at one of the historic furnaces also offers great excitement.

In fact, it is necessary to take time to stroll through Fondamenta dei Vetrai, the typical street in Murano where many glassworks with their marvelous artifacts are concentrated.

Located right on the canal, the glassworks offer the chance to buy authentic objects and watch their glassmakers at work.

Church of St. Peter Martyr

The Church of St. Peter Martyr | ID 166351819 @ Meunierd | Dreamstime.com

When you reach the end of Fondamenta dei Vetrai, you’ll find the Church of San Pietro Martire: yet another place where sacred and art come together, just like glass, creating true wonders.

In this church, in fact, you can find splendid works by important artists such as Veronesi, Tintoretto and Bellini.

You will not be disappointed by this building built in 1300 and, after a fire, reestablished in 1511.

Palazzo da Mula

Palazzo da Mula | ID 112911915 @ Marco Taliani De Marchio | Dreamstime.com

The journey through history continues: Palazzo da Mula even dates back to the 12th century! Perhaps one of the most beautiful buildings on the island with its Venetian Gothic style facade.

In the past it was a symbol of prestige as it was the summer residence of wealthy Venetian families, but today it is a symbol of culture thanks to the exhibitions and events organized inside.

Civic Tower

The civic tower of Murano | ID 76661708 @ Neirfy | Dreamstime.com

Murano’s civic tower, also known as the clock tower or “torricella,” was built in 1890 and completed in ’91 with the addition of the clock.

Its medieval style seems to be inspired by the tower of Palazzo Vecchio in Florence or the Del Mangia tower in Siena, although it was much criticized at the time precisely because it was considered “un-Venetian.”

Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli

View from the canal of St. Mary of the Angels Church | ID 150579526 @ Hilda Weges | Dreamstime.com

There is one more church on the streets of Murano that I haven’t told you about yet: the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Just think that it was first built in 1188! However, due to its critical condition it was rebuilt in 1529.

Since then it has remained as we see it today on the outside, while on the inside it has continued to flourish, even attracting important European figures to visit, such as King Henry III of France in 1574.

However, after its closure in 1848, many works of art contained here were moved.

Today, an appointment must be obtained to visit it inside: it still holds valuable works of art such as the 40 frescoed roundels on the ceiling and Carrara marble altars.

Lighthouse

Murano Lighthouse | ID 44891273 © Giuseppe Anello | Dreamstime.com

Finally, don’t miss the wonderful Murano Lighthouse: the guardian of the lagoon as well as its symbol!

It was built in 1934 with Istrian stone and features two bas-reliefs depicting the Madonna; being very close to the water you could take a nice picture of it from the vaporetto as you arrive!

Murano in half a day: recommended itinerary

Glass working in a Murano glassworks | ID 35224440 @ Sailorr | Dreamstime.com

Don’t worry if you’ re short on time to visit Murano because I’m about to provide the solution: an itinerary to quickly explore all the island’s main attractions!

Although the best stop for sightseeing is “Murano Colonna,” if you are short on time I recommend getting off directly at “Murano Museo”: this will give you immediate access to the glass museum.

A visit to the museum is strongly recommended: you will need to devote about an hour to this wonderful and essential Murano attraction.

A little further north you will find the Cathedral of Murano, another not-to-be-missed stop. At this point, if you wish to taste some typical dishes, you might consider a stop at La Perla Ai Bisatei, one of the best places on the island.

If you want something lighter, you can aim for Murano gelateria artigianale and from here cross Ponte Longo to reach Palazzo da Mula.

Keep going south and you will find the Church of San Pietro Martire and then you can continue with a pleasant walk along Fondamenta dei Vetrai.

Choose whether to watch a glassmaking demonstration at one of the glassworks on this canal-side street or go almost to the southernmost point where you will find the Church of Santa Chiara.

If you didn’t have lunch before and now find you still have time, I recommend La Fornace restaurant, another popular spot where you can sample typical Murano cuisine.

If your time is up you can catch the vaporetto again at the “Murano Colonna” stop if you still have a little more time go up to visit the Murano lighthouse: the symbol of the lagoon.

At this point you will be right at the “Murano faro” stop where you can board to head to your next destination, be it Venice or Burano.

What to do in Murano beyond the classic stops

Toso Brothers Furnace, the oldest still in operation | ID 236506804 © Stefan Rotter | Dreamstime.com

In addition to the island’s main attractions, there is much you can do in Murano!

First of all, take some time to enjoy some relaxation, perhaps tasting the classic Venetian spritz at one of the island’s bars.

In addition to watching the glassblowing demonstration, observing the artifacts in the typical workshops is also important to understand the soul of Murano.

For your shopping and another experience, you could explore the area of the former furnaces, along the streets of old Murano that now houses its own workshops and craft ateliers.

Want to experience something different and at the same time sustainable? One of the most unique activities the island has to offer you is a nice bike ride on the former railway, the old road that connected Murano to the mainland.

Finally, I highly recommend you carve out some time to taste the typical cuisine of Murano: real specialties, especially fish, are waiting for you… Trust me, don’t deprive yourself!

Frequently asked questions

Conclusions

Here we come to the conclusion of this article: you now have a complete guide to what to see in Murano!

I have told you what are the main attractions on the island and the stops that really are not to be missed, such as the Glass Museum or the Cathedral of Murano.

Short on time? No problem! I have given you an itinerary designed especially for those who want to visit Murano quickly, without leaving out anything really important.

Finally, before answering the most common questions about what to do in Murano, we have discovered together some special experiences different from the usual stops.

How doyou feel about a bike ride on the former railway route? Or would you prefer a more classic, in-depth tour of the Glass Museum? Tell us your opinion, how do you plan your Murano visit?

Do you want to get the best? Book a tour and you’ll never have to think about anything again: the best of Murano just a click away… The magical island of glass is waiting for you!