Murano

We visited the Island of Murano which is a one kilometer boat ride from Venice. In the 13th century the city became the glass making center for Venice because the risk of fire that comes with making glass. Today the city is 5000 people and glass making and tourism are the center of life.

The city has the same canals as Venice and is less crowded and very friendly.
We visited the glass museum and learned about the different kinds of glass and glass making techniques. We also stopped in some tiny shops where glass was being blown into jewelry.

We also visited a larger factory where the craftsmen were making vases and statues. The kids memories will be of the man blowing a huge glass bubble, letting it cool for 10 seconds and then knocking it to the ground to shatter for effect. I think all boys like breaking glass.