Discover Murano, Burano, and Torcello
From Murano glass to Burano lace, and the legends of Torcello, the islands of Venice undoubtedly deserve a day trip during your vacation in Cavallino Treporti.
Hop on one of the many boat connections and tours departing from Punta Sabbioni and embark on a journey through the history, nature, traditions, and wonders of the Venice lagoon. You can also book guided tours and enjoy lunches or aperitifs on the boat.
MURANO: THE ISLAND OF GLASS
Just a short distance from Venice is Murano, the elegant island of Venice known worldwide for its artistic glassmaking. It is home to one of the oldest glass districts, dating back to the 13th century when the Serenissima Republic decided to move the furnaces there to protect Venice from the risk of fires (as most houses were made of wood at the time).
During your visit to Murano, you must not miss the opportunity to visit one of the many glass furnaces and workshops, where you can admire the master glassmakers at work during the famous glass blowing technique, passed down through generations.
This island resembles a miniature Venice, with its Grand Canal, ancient churches like the Basilica of Saints Mary and Donatus with its beautiful mosaics, or the Church of San Pietro Martire with artworks by Giovanni Bellini and Paolo Veronese.
You can also explore its luxurious buildings, including Palazzo Giustinian, which houses the Glass Museum, where you can admire 700 years of glassmaking history.
BURANO: THE COLORFUL ISLAND OF LACE
The small island of Burano is known worldwide for its vibrant colored houses, which according to legend helped the local sailors navigate during foggy days, and its ancient lace-making tradition. This centuries-old lace-making technique has made Venetian lacemakers a true institution, once sought after by monarchs throughout Europe.
To delve into the history of Burano lace, book your visit to the Burano Lace Museum, located in the Gothic palace where the historic Lace School was once housed. The school was founded in 1872 by Countess Andriana Marcello to revive and promote the ancient tradition.
Don’t miss a stroll in Piazza Galuppi (the only square on the island) and a visit to the Church of San Martino Vescovo, with its leaning bell tower.
And if you’re looking for the most panoramic spot in Burano for a sunset photo, we highly recommend Tre Ponti, the wooden bridge that connects three canals and three of the most colorful streets in Burano (Via San Mauro, Via Giudecca, and Via San Martino Sinistro), lined with quaint shops and typical restaurants where you can taste bussolà, the island’s traditional sweet treat.
AMONG THE LEGENDS OF TORCELLO
Let yourself be enchanted by the timeless atmosphere that characterizes the island of Torcello, located in the northeastern part of the Venetian Lagoon Today inhabited by only a few dozen people, in the past, it was the cradle of the entire Venetian civilization. It was here, in 638, that the bishop of Altino, the main Roman city in the area at that time, moved with a large part of the population to escape the barbarian invasion, thus giving birth to the first major lagoon settlement.
After being a flourishing urban and commercial center for centuries, especially in the wool industry and salt production, Torcello was gradually abandoned by its inhabitants due to the marshiness of the surrounding lagoon and the need to find a safer refuge.
Of the numerous noble palaces, churches, and monasteries that once crowded the island, today only a few but enchanting monuments remain, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, with its Byzantine-Romanesque mosaics, and the Church of Santa Fosca. Both overlook a small square where the Throne of Attila is located, dating back to the 5th century and once used by the governor of the island of Torcello during council meetings.
In Torcello, you may also come across the famous Devil’s Bridge, without side railings because, according to legend, it was built in a single night by the devil himself to win a bet but failed to complete the work due to the arrival of dawn. According to another legend, during the Austrian domination of Venice, a Venetian girl fell in love with an Austrian soldier, but he was killed by her family, who opposed the union.
The young woman, desperate, turned to a witch who arranged a meeting for her on this isolated bridge. Through a magical ritual, she invoked the Devil, who restored life to the soldier. The two young lovers fled together, but in return, the witch had to promise the Devil that on Christmas Eve for seven years, she would bring him the soul of a child. However, the witch died shortly after without being able to fulfill her pact.
Even today, it is said that on the night of December 24th, the Devil comes in vain to claim his souls disguised as a black cat on this bridge.
