Murano Glass

Explore la bellezza of Italy.

If you travel to Venice, a must stop is a visit to the island of Murano, renowned for its long tradition of glassmaking.

Venetian glassmaking originated over 1,500 years ago. By the late 1200s, glassmaking was Venice’s primary industry. To outline regulations for the industry, a Glassmakers Guild was established and caused a law to be passed that would mandate all glassmakers to move from Venice, to the island of Murano.

Artisans working in the glass trade were well rewarded for their efforts. They were treated as prominent citizens and enjoyed social status and lifestyle.

One of the advantages of having glassmakers in close proximity to one another was the ability to share innovations and techniques such as the creation of cristallo—a fine, almost transparent glass—and lattimo, a porcelain-like milk glass.

From stunning glass chandeliers to drinking glasses, to colourful glass beads for jewellery, Venetian glass was continually reinvented to follow style trends and interests.

Today, Murano glassmakers continue to produce many types of glass works from the classic styles to bold contemporary pieces. Murano glass is a recognized art form and each glass piece is an original creation made by hand according to the ancient tradition.