Visit the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello from Venice

The reputation of Venice, which is surnamed "Sérénissime", is no longer to be done. What do you know about the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello?

Hear the Italian mandolin, observe the Mediterranean colors, feel fresh air from the canals caresss your face... You're in Venice! The “city of Love” opens its arms to you, you only have to discover its secrets! Discover its cultural heritage through museums, operas and theatres in the city. Find its architectural treasures, Veneto jewelry, like the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, San Marco Square, the Doges Palace Or the Bridge of the Sorrows... Venice will never cease to surprise you, so let yourself be guided.

But if Venice has a rich history and an exceptional heritage, we must not forget the islands around it. These small islands, which, although they have actively participated in the fame of Venice, detached themselves from them and carved their visitors in their own way. Each of them is unique, with their own strengths. You can visit the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello from Venice by boat. The vast majority of trips are made in gondola or vaporetto anyway. Stopping on the surrounding islands allows to see a different aspect of Venice and its region. So here's a little guide to give you a little idea of what's waiting for you!

The island of Murano

Murano is the island of the lagoon closest to the city of Venice. It looks like a mini-Venise. The island is recognized throughout the world for its glass work. And for cause, in the 15th and 16th centuries, Murano was the first glass manufacturer in Europe! It is on this island that the multicolor glasses were created, the millefiori. Nevertheless, we must know that everything began in Venice. But, in 1291, the glassworkers were forced to move their workshops to Murano. The cause? The many fires caused by the furnaces of the glassware!

Today, the island is very crowded, with tourists obviously attracted to the art of glass, whose reputation is no longer to be made. In the evening, the island is empty to leave room for a calm and romantic atmosphere.

What to see and do on Murano Island?

The Museum of Glass at the Gustiniani Palace

At its foundation in 1861, the glass museum had to gather all the archives testifying to the history of the island. From the fall of the Republic of Venice in 1797 to today. But, because of the importance of the art of glass blowing, these archives quickly evolved into a museum. The acquisition of certain Renaissance pieces, or from excavations, by the establishment participates in its fame. Today, it is a real historical frise on this art that requires perfect precision and control.

• Every day 10:30 to 6:00 April to October and 10:00 to 16:30 November to March. End of ticketing: 30 minutes before closing. Entrance to 12 €, reduced price 9,50 € (children aged 6-14, students up to 25, and seniors over 65).

Visit a glass shop in Murano

If you have the opportunity to do so, find a glassware that opens its doors. This becoming increasingly rare, there are only a few glasses that offer it. You will see a craftsman manure his cane and his pontil with a perfect mastery. The Vetreria Artistica Colleoni de Murano allows you to attend the work of a small group verrier. The entrance ticket is converted into a voucher in the shop, so you can go back with a small souvenir typical of Murano...

• Every day 9h00 to 5h00. Entrance to 10 €free for children under 15 years of age.

The island of Burano

The island of Burano is well known for two things: its very colourful houses and its lace production. Some say it is the most beautiful island in the lagoon. They were Roman fishermen who settled there first. As the houses all looked like, women had the idea of painting them, to find them in the event of bad weather. Today it has become a tradition: every year, people are forced to paint the facades. This contributes to the eternal beauty of the banks of the Burano canals.

What to see and do on Burano Island?

Lace Museum

Lace arrived in Burano in the 16th century. It was the women of the fishermen who mastered the technique until they made an art. The bourgeoisie of Europe, very excited by the Italian lace, allowed Burano to win its reputation. The Museum of Lace thus retraces all this history, through beautiful pieces and demonstrations. For the purchase of remembrance, make sure not to buy too cheap article, the made in china has also reached Burano...

• Every day 10:30 to 6:00 April to October and 10:00 to 16:30 November to March. End of ticketing: 30 minutes before closing. Entrance to 5 €, reduced price 3,50 € (children aged 6-14, students up to 25, and seniors over 65).

San Martino Church

The very first building of the church dates from the 10th century. But, the church of San Martino takes its present appearance only between the 16th and 17th centuries, following numerous renovations. The peculiarity of this church is its campanile: it is leaned! Like another Italian tower, this is due to the weakening of the field. The interior of the church has some artistic pieces, paintings and sculptures to be discovered.

• Open every day 8:00 to 12:00 and 3:00 to 7:00.

The island of Torcello

Probably the least known of the Lagoon Islands, Torcello is just north of Burano. Traversed by a main channel, it is only very little inhabited today. Yet it was the epicentre of Venetian civilization. Indeed, in the 6th century the Romans settled there in order to found the city that became Venice. Torcello flourished, building the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in 639. When the island begins to invade and the unhealthy progresses, the inhabitants leave Torcello for the other islands of the lagoon.

Today it attracts only very few tourists, who prefer to visit Burano or Murano, more lively and colorful. There is only one tourist accommodation on the island, Locanda Capriani, located on the banks of the canal. You will then see the "phaned island" aspect that Torcello has once all its visitors left.

What to see and do on the island of Torcello?

The museum dell’ Estuario

This small museum traces the history of Torcello, from an archaeological point of view, then medieval and modern. You will discover the long past of the island, shown by some beautiful intact pieces like vases or sculptures.

• From Tuesday to Sunday 10:30 to 17:30. Entrance to 3 €, reduced price 1,50 € children aged 6 to 12 and groups over 10.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is the oldest building in the entire lagoon. Founded in 639, it preserved its antique appearance, with its façade of bare bricks. His interior is more interesting, with frescoes of times, representing biblical episodes. On the reverse of the entrance, a mural mosaic of the 12th century reproduces the scene of the Last Judgment. The visit is not long, but it is rewarding!

• Every day 10:30 to 17:30 March to October and 10:00 to 17:00 November to February. The ticket office closes 30 minutes before the end. Entrance to 5€, reduced price 4 € for under 12 years.

The Campanile

Campanile is a place not to be avoided, because it offers a breathtaking view of the island of Torcello. Built in the 11th century, it was used at the time to watch the ships circulating in the lagoon. In 1640, the lightning stopped her top and today, it is above all an attraction. It allows to observe the island of Torcello and the rest of the lagoon around a high point of view.

• Every day 10:30 to 17:30, input to 5 €.

Excursion to Murano, Burano and Torcello from Venice

Of course there are thoughtful excursions so that you can visit the three islands in one time . It is a combination of excursions, which offer the unique experience of discovering the islands of the lagoon. As a result, you will be able to take a look at the three islands that participate in the fame of Venice. It’s very interesting to do. Indeed, everything is managed in advance, and you only have to let yourself be guided. Murano, Burano and Torcello are both close and far away. Each of them has its own history, inscribed in these walls and channels.

How to get to the Murano, Burano and Torcello islands from Venice?

Choose autonomy with the vaporetto

Concretely, there are not fifty ways to move to Venice and even less to go to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. The simplest and most common is obviously the boat, or vaporetto.

You can go there by your own means, by selecting the vaporetto line you need:

• Lines 3, 4.1, 4.2, 7 and 18 (from the airport) for Murano,
• Lines 9 (from Torcello) and 12 (from Venice) for Burano
• Lines 9 (since Burano) and 12 (from Venice) for Torcello.

Choose all in one with a trip

The advantage of taking one excursion all in one , is that you do not need to take care of the transport. You will only have to follow the proposed program! With or without guided tours, these excursions offer you the opportunity to discover the three islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello from Venice.

Prices from Venice

HORARI

• Departures : morning at 9:30, 11:30 and afternoon at 14:00
• Duration between 4 and 6 hours

RATES

The excursions offer different rates to part of the 20€ per person . Everything depends on the organization and type of tours chosen.