A Day in Murano

After docking in Venice overnight, the next day our group took a boat to the island of Murano, which is less than two miles north of Venice.  It is really five islands very close together, separated by canals and linked by bridges just like Venice is.  We went to see the famous Murano glass factory, but were pleasantly surprised by the additional features we saw there.

 Although the glass making art has been around probably since the 5th Century in Venice, it was interesting to note that because so many of the buildings in Venice were made of wood, the glass makers were ordered in 1291 to move to Murano so that their fiery furnaces wouldn't burn down the city.  

 After a short boat ride, we docked in front of the lighthouse and Murano glass factory.

It was absolutely fascinating to watch the glass maker go from this:

to this beautiful vase,

or to this delicate horse--formed right in front of our eyes!

 

 

We could definitely see why the glass makers were ordered to move to their own island.  The glass maker put a piece of paper near this horse when he finished, and it immediately caught on fire!

 We, also, saw one of the artisans polishing a beautiful glass bowl.

Now, it was time to go into the showroom and see the finished products:

So many beautiful articles!  I believe John and Alison have one of the clowns you can see on the shelf which I now discovered is from Murano!  I've always loved it, and now understand it more!  Aren't these masks that George and Joyce are wearing so great, too!  

 Then we got to explore the little town itself with its waterways and bridges.  So much more peaceful than Venice since not as many people go there, but what a treasure it was!

 I loved the quaint streets and houses.

 Passing by a fantastic glass art object next to the clock tower.

After a pleasant stay in Murano, we boarded the boat again and went to the island directly across from St. Mark's Square.

Here we visited St. Giorgio Maggiore, a 16th Century Benedictine Church.

I'm standing right in front of the church, and you can see St. Mark's Square right behind me.

 

The inside had a big vat with steam spiraling upward that Joyce and I thought they told us was to represent the Holy Spirit.  It was all white marble inside and very beautiful.

As we boarded the water taxi to return to Venice, we were so happy to have made this venture out to the side islands where we learned and enjoyed all we had done this day.

Again, my sister's blog has many more pictures and history on it that I'm sure you will enjoy.  Just go to:

http://sixgirlsoneboy.blogspot.com/2012/03/murano-glass-factory-island-and-church.html