Murano Island Walking Tour (Self Guided), Venice

Murano is often called the Glass Island, since it is home to the most impressive and renowned Venetian glass factories. The master craftsmen here have preserved their centuries-old techniques, and the island is full of shops where you can admire and purchase their adorable glass items. Some factories, such as Gino Mazzuccato’s, at the start of this self-guided walk, even have special showrooms where you can see the full process of glass-making firsthand.

One of the first visible sights as you approach Murano is the lighthouse (or “faro”), which is nothing too extravagant, but a good spot for photos or for sitting by the water and enjoying the boats crossing by. Follow with a stop by the San Pietro church to get your ‘fix’ of classical art (including some lovely chandeliers made from Murano glass), then stop by Fratelli Toso’s – one of the major contributors to modern glass design.

While it would probably go unnoticed on the Grand Canal, the tiny Palazzo da Mula is one of the island’s few elegant patrician buildings in a beautiful 12th-century Venetian Gothic style. Even more charming, equally from the outside as from the inside, is the Duomo de Murano across the bridge, whose main draw lies in the floor mosaics.

On the last stretch, do acquaint yourself with the Glass Museum’s unique collection of historic pieces that will help you understand how gloriously exquisite and sophisticated Venetian glass can be. Small and never crowded, it packs all the different varieties of glass techniques and decorations in less than an hour, and allows taking pictures.

For a great half a day out on beautiful Glass Island, follow this self-guided walking tour!

Getting to Sight #1. The first tour stop (Gino Mazzuccato) can be reached by: Alilaguna Water Taxi: Blue (B), Water Bus: 3, 4.1, 4.2, 7.