Murano is an island with an area of 1,134 acres in the Venetian Lagoon. The beautiful island lies about a mile north of Venice and it has been known as the home of glassmaking for centuries.
Murano was settled by the Romans and prospered as a fishing and trading port throughout the Eastern Mediterranean and in the Islamic territories of the Levant and North Africa, as far back as the 7th Century. However, in 1291, all the glassmakers in Venice were forced to move to Murano due to the risk of fires from Venice. Murano's glassmakers were soon became the dominate professionals living on the island. By the 14th Century, artisans were given immunity from prosecution by the Venetian state and granted the right to wear swords. The glassmakers enjoyed to have their daughters married into affluent families at Venice. But the catch is: glassmakers weren't allowed to leave the Republic.
The good outcome from government's strict ruling was that glassmakers needed to refine their techniques in order to stand out from the competition. The island reached its peak in the 16th century, when it had more than 30,000 inhabitants; glassmaking continues and well-known technologies of glassmaking still reminds today; including crystalline glass, enameled glass (smalto), glass with threads of gold (aventurine), multicolored glass (millefiori), and milk glass (lattimo).
The art and artistry of Murano is constantly evolving. We hope that through this site, we can bring you the heritage of the island.
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