The Island of Murano is actually a series of seven islands linked together by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon. Known as the 'glass island' for its famed glass production, it acquired the name in 1291 when all Venetian glass makers were forced to inhabit Murano due to the fire risk to the city’s mostly wooden buildings.
Nowadays, this island provides a quieter slice of Venetian life, offering tourists glass shops selling everything from paper weights to chandeliers. For those interested in the craft itself, there's the Museo del Vetro (glass museum) which details the development of glass making over centuries, and many glass factories offer demonstrations showcasing modern day production. As well as a focus on glass, the island also houses a variety of Byzantine architecture to admire, as well as its very own grand canal.
