A cart displaying glass products in Murano, Italy.
If you’re looking to buy the perfect gift for that special someone during your trip to Venice, you must visit the beautiful island of Murano. Murano is famous for its locally crafted glasswork, ranging from chandeliers to jewelry to figurines.
The art of Murano glass dates back to the 14th century, when Venetian glassmakers copied the practices of the Middle East. The Middle East not only had its own creative way of production, but also possessed raw materials that Venice eventually imported.
It wasn’t until the invention of clear glass in Murano by Angelo Barovier that led to Venetian success. This game changer was a must for the rich.
Fast-forward to present day Murano, glasswork can now be seen and purchased at almost every store and showroom. In addition to shopping, the island is filled with other fun activities. You can find glass statues for that perfect selfie, glass factories to see the glass production process and museums such as the Museo del Vetro that showcase Venetian glass from the past.
A glass statue in Murano, Italy.
After learning about what Murano has to offer, I knew I had to stop by during my weekend trip to Venice.
Vaporetto platform in Murano, Italy.
From my hostel, Generator, on the island of Giudecca, I took a vaporetto, or water taxi, straight to Murano. Once I stepped off the boat, I was pleasantly surprised by how calm and quiet the island was. The sun was out and the wind blew ever so slightly – I recommend bringing a small sweater. In front of the vaporetto platform was the entrance to the San Marco Glass Factory. How convenient!
Outside of the San Marco Glass Factory and Showroom in Murano, Italy.
To my dismay, the factory was closed since it was Sunday. Italy is predominately Catholic, so Sunday is taken off for religious purposes. If a business is open on a Sunday, the hours are reduced. Be sure to do your research!
Despite not taking a tour of the well-known glass factory, I was overjoyed to see the factory’s showroom open for business. The showroom was filled with stunning glass products made specifically from the San Marco Glass Factory.
“We keep our production for ourselves,” said Nikola Vio, a salesman at the San Marco Glass Factory Showroom. If you’re looking for authentic Murano glass, definitely stop by this showroom.
Inside the San Marco Glass Showroom in Murano, Italy.
Vio has been working at the showroom for three years and noticed an unfortunate trend.
“Glass production is good,” Vio said. “We have a lot of people, but now it’s going down in importance.”
Vio is right. Many of Murano’s glass stores are packed with imitation pieces made in China. In fact, I saw a similar jewelry piece from the showroom at a different store for a lower price.
This beautiful glass beaded bracelet for 20 euros was only five euros down the street. The quality of the showroom’s bracelet was far better than the other bracelet. However, as a broke college student, I’m always looking for ways to save money. The thought of cheaper glass pieces entices me, especially since I was planning on buying gifts for several family members and friends. Despite this, Vio reminded me about the importance of authenticity.
Vio said individuals should purchase at the showroom because the glass is “original, handmade and high quality.”
This convinced me. I would definitely spend a little extra money because I value craftsmanship. I didn’t come all the way to Murano to buy something made in China. My mission was to bring home a gift like no other.
Window display of a glass store in Murano, Italy.
Despite the imitation trend, Murano glass is still being purchased – whether it is authentic or not.
“It’s not like in the past, but they are still buying,” said Roberto Marcopolo, a Murano glass salesman.
Joking that he “was born inside the oven,” Marcopolo said the high season of Murano glass purchasing starts in April and ends in October.
Although I like that Murano glass is appreciated to this day, it seems that the art form in Murano is dying. It is difficult to recruit Venetians into glass making. This is because the work is quite uncomfortable and physically demanding. Imagine spending your day next to kilns heated to 1,400C. Due to this, along with imitation, the authentic Murano glass industry is declining.
Between 40 and 45 percent of total sales go to fake “Murano” glass. The number is expected to increase in the coming years. So, visit Murano and purchase an authentic piece of glasswork before it’s too late!
Glasswork displayed at stores in Murano, Italy.
Now the question is, how do you differentiate glass produced in Murano versus in China? “[It takes] a lot of practice,” Vio said.
My advice is to avoid products that say “Murano-style”; this is most likely fake Murano glass. Also, ask the seller if the piece is old or new. If it is new, ask for the certificate. If you want to judge for yourself, try to spot a signature by the artist as well as air bubbles; these are signs of authenticity. In addition, look for the “Vetro Murano Artistico” trademark decal in the window of shops and showrooms.
If you follow these steps, you are sure to find an authentic piece of Murano glass. Imagine traveling back home with a one-of-a-kind piece of glasswork from Murano. You would be the talk of the town! Your home décor-obsessed friends might even be envious.
General Information:
Looking to tour a glass factory? Don’t go on a Sunday!
Don’t be afraid to negotiate a price! If you feel that a price is too expensive, counteroffer. Also, avoid purchasing right away. Make sure to look through the many stores Murano has to offer before purchasing a glass piece.
Avoid taking photos of glasswork in stores. Marcopolo asked my friend and I to put our phones away. He claimed that the Chinese acquire photos of authentic Murano glass in order to easily replicate the product.
If you are not staying at a hotel located in Murano, you will need to do some planning for transportation. Transportation to and from Venice’s 118 islands is done through vaporetto. Before you plan your trip to Venice, be sure to purchase a vaporetto ticket. Each vaporetto ticket price varies by the amount of time you are staying in Venice.
One day: 20 euros Two days: 30 euros
Three days: 40 euros
Seven days: 60 euros
Views of Murano, Italy.