murano

Murano is an archipelago in the Venetian Lagoon, northern Italy, with the main island also called Murano. It is part of the city of Venice and lies a short distance north of the historic center. Linked by bridges and canals, the islands are renowned for a long-standing glassmaking tradition and for attracting visitors to its workshops and galleries.

Murano's glass industry dates to the late Middle Ages. In 1291 the Venetian Republic relocated glassmakers to Murano to reduce fires in Venice. The craft developed notable techniques, including cristallo, a clear colorless glass created in the 15th century, and later millefiori and lampworking. Murano glass gained a European reputation for quality, and master studios produced luxury wares and artistic works.

Today Murano remains a glass-production center, though many studios operate on a smaller scale alongside traditional workshops. Demonstrations, showrooms, and factory tours are common attractions for visitors. The island is often visited together with Burano or Venice, accessible by public water buses.

Murano is part of the Comune di Venezia in the Veneto region. Access is by water bus from Venice; its canal-based landscape and glassmaking culture help define the visitor experience on Murano.