You’ve decided to take a trip to Venice, Italy, but you can’t leave without visiting a glass factory. A short boat ride will take you to a Murano glass factory from Venice. Combined, we have visited Venice five times, and the glass factories have always been a highlight of our trip! This post will explain why you must visit a Murano glass factory in Venice, what to look for when buying authentic Murano glass, and how to get a free glass tour!
Why is Venice Famous for Glass?
According to Venetians, they have been making glass for over 1,500 years. Glassmakers fled to Venice to escape Barbarian invaders, which grew the importance of glassmaking in Venice. In the 11th century, Venice became an important trading port between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East – selling spices, precious metals, gemstones, ivory, and glass. It’s said that while glass was made in the Middle East before being made in Europe, the Ancient Roman glass made in Italy was much more sophisticated.
In 1291, glassmakers in Venice were forced to move to Murano to prevent fires (that started from the glassmaking process), so Murano was elected as a floating factory. This also allowed them to better control their secret recipes and methods, having the concentration of factories on the island of Murano.
Today, Murano is known for its art glass.
What is SO Special about Murano Glass?
Taking a look at Murano glass up close, you’ll realize exactly what is so special about it. The quality and design are incomparable. Additionally, to ensure that the glasswork is authentic Murano glass, it will be accompanied by a Murano Glass mark.
Murano Glass Certificate
Today, demand has been shrinking for this authentic Murano glass, due in part to imitation works being produced around the world. To fight this problem, in 1994, the Artistic Glass Murano (Ventro Artistico® Murano) trademark was created to certify that the glass was made in Murano. The glass factories are the only places to guarantee 100% authentic Murano glass (aka. the prices are higher, but come with this fancy sticker to mark your authentic Murano glass). Also, if you are purchasing anything big, they will look after shipping and insurance! However, if you are just looking for a cute souvenir, we recommend any of the shops in Venice or Murano – you’ll find things much cheaper; we just can’t guarantee they are 100% Murano glass!
How Do You Get from Venice to Murano?
Most Murano glassmaking companies will arrange transportation from your hotel to their factory for a small fee. Others will even arrange private transfers and pay for your water taxi to get you to their factory from your hotel. Check with your hotel concierge, as they should be able to help you with this! This is also a great way to get to Murano for free.
If you do have to pay a fee to get to Murano, the tour should be free. This is because most of the glass companies just want to get you into their factory so you’ll hopefully buy something.
Once in Murano, we recommend also visiting Burano and Torcello Islands – you can take the Vaporetto/Water Buses to the other islands and eventually back to Venice. The glass factory may offer to take you back to your hotel, but we would recommend going to the other islands!
If you are unable to arrange a Murano Glass Factory tour with transportation, you can also take the #12 Water Bus/Vaporetto from Venice to Murano (this is the same one you would take to Burano).
How to Get a Free Murano Glass Factory Tour from Venice
Most glass factories in Murano offer free tours of their factories, along with a glass-blowing demonstration. As we mentioned, check with your hotel concierge for the factory that they partner with. You may also get free transportation to Murano this way!
We visited Vetreria Nuova Venier, one of the largest in Murano. It is really worth the tour – the process of blowing glass is so fascinating and mesmerizing. Of course, afterward, they may try to get you to buy something, but we never felt pressured. Viewing some of the works of art and their price tags is a lot of fun! Of course, in the end, we bought a few smaller souvenirs.
TWT Tidbit: We were lucky enough to get a personal demonstration and tour of Vetreria Nuova Venier. They even let Madison try blowing the glass! WOW – was it harder than it looks – the technique and difficulty to even “blow” the glass, let alone create any of these works, is INSANE! Even luckier, they asked Madison her favorite animal and color, and made us a purple dolphin on the spot!
After visiting the factory, we took a stroll through Murano, while trying to find the water bus station to Burano. After walking around in circles, we asked a few people and eventually made it. Along the way, we stopped in a few shops to pick up some other souvenirs and took a trip through the Glass Museum.
Murano Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro)
While in Murano, we recommend stopping at the Glass Museum. Here, you will learn about the history and origins of Venetian glassmaking, view different works of art throughout the years, and also discover the different techniques and how they’ve evolved.
Hours of Operation:
November 1-March 31
10:00am-5:00pm daily
April 1-October 31
10:30-6:00pm daily
Tickets:
- €10 adults
- €7.50 children aged 6-14
- Free for children 0-5 and residents/those born in the Municipality of Venice
Museum Pass:
The museum pass is €45 and allows entry to many of the museums in Venice (including the Murano Glass Museum, the Lace Museum in Burano, and the Museums of Piazza San Marco).
Tips for Visiting a Murano Glass Factory from Venice:
- Try to arrange a free tour (and transportation) through your hotel
- Be prepared for a high-pressure sales pitch, but don’t feel pressured – you don’t have to buy anything!
- Avoid lunch hour; most places will be closed (we recommend starting early in the day)
- A lot of glass factories are closed in August; however, a few tourist-oriented demonstrations may stay open
