People go to Murano to see glass. Furnaces, master glassmakers and objects displayed in the workshops have been part of the island’s identity for centuries.

The history of glassmaking in Murano officially began in 1291, when the Republic of Venice decided to move most of the furnaces that had previously been located in the city center. The reason was very practical: Venice was built almost entirely of wood and fires were a constant danger. The furnaces worked at extremely high temperatures and it took very little to cause disasters in the crowded districts of the city.

So the master glassmakers were moved to Murano, close enough to remain under the control of the Serenissima but separate enough to reduce the risks. Within a few decades the island was completely transformed. New artisan families arrived, specialized workshops were created and Murano glass became one of the most valuable products exported by Venice.

Even today, while walking along Fondamenta dei Vetrai, it is easy to understand how the island was organized: the sides facing the outer canals were the most operational areas, with entrances for unloading materials, openings for transporting goods and spaces connected to production. Sand, wood, minerals and soda arrived by boat, just like chandeliers and finished objects destined for European and international markets. On the opposite side, shops and workshops gradually developed along the fondamenta, where merchants could display their works to visitors and foreign buyers.

My uncle always used to say that in Murano you could recognize glass even by its sound. Inside a furnace there was never silence: the constant roar of the fire, metal tools resting on the benches, the blowing pipes slowly turning while the glowing glass took shape.

From a technical point of view, Murano glass requires extraordinary knowledge of materials and temperatures. Master glassmakers mix silica, soda and other minerals, then heat everything to temperatures above one thousand degrees. Just a few extra seconds can compromise an entire piece of work.

Over the centuries Murano developed techniques that became famous all over the world: Venetian blown glass, lattimo glass similar to porcelain, colorful murrine, filigree decorations and mirrors that adorned royal palaces throughout Europe. For a long time the Republic even tried to prevent master glassmakers from leaving Venice in order to protect the secrets of the craft.

Today Murano continues to live between artisanal tradition and tourism. Many historic furnaces are still active and watching a master glassmaker at work remains one of the most fascinating experiences in the Venetian lagoon.

If you want to explore Murano at your own pace, try also Easy Guide Venice: you can listen to geolocated audio guides dedicated to the lagoon islands and discover stories and lesser-known corners of Venice.