Venice announces itself with the salty scent of the lagoon that uncertainly crosses the train doors a few stops before Santa Lucia station.
Welcoming me is the distant chatter of the earliest tourists, the crisp air of a city that never fades and preserves its mysterious charm through the centuries.
While waiting for my adventure companions, I decide to breathe in deeply that atmosphere filled with curiosity, high expectations, and a thirst for adventure by taking a stroll around the area.
Yes, I missed you Venice— seeing you reflected in the canals interrupted by the wonderful bridges, watching you shrink down small in the alleys only to catch my breath in the nearest square, seeing you welcome so many guests from the most diverse nationalities, and despite being tired and perhaps bored by this endless flow of travelers, maintaining your elegance and composure that make you the queen of the Sea and the Arts.
I join the cheerful group: with the last arrivals we head to the nearest stop, where we take the ferry that will take us to Burano.
The day is wonderful, the warmth of the sun shining on the city is softened by the delightful lagoon breeze.
We make a stop at the nearby island of Murano, which we will visit in the afternoon: from here we reach our destination in about 20 minutes.
Burano is known for the artisanal production of lace: it is also possible to visit the School and Museum dedicated to this craft that has preserved its charm for centuries and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year.
But the island is best known for its picturesque variety of tones and colors.
It is said that during the winter season Burano is enveloped in fog and the only way to help fishermen is to paint the houses in bright colors.
Because of this peculiarity, Burano attracted many artists and painters in the early 20th century: thus was born and flourished, between 1911 and 1946, the so-called “Burano School”, a true art circle that hosted painters from all over Europe.
After enjoying a lunch together, we begin our exploration of the cheerful little streets: how can one resist photographing every corner?
Small blue, yellow, red, green, orange houses alternate with delightful lace shops, restaurants, charming views of the lagoon, bridges under which that enchanting architectural rainbow reflects and sways.
After getting lost in that intricate maze of streets, we return by ferry to the island of Murano.
Murano glass is made from silica sand, calcium carbonate, and soda. The mixture is kept at a temperature of 1300 degrees for at least 10 hours: it then becomes a malleable paste. Natural powders (metal oxides) are used for coloring.
In 1271, the Capitol Statute of Venice protected Venetian glassmaking, prohibiting the import of glass from abroad and denying foreign glassmakers the right to operate in Venice. In 1291, the transfer of glassworks from Venice to the island of Muranowas decreed, to confine potential fires. Murano glass is therefore over 700 years old!
Over time, techniques have been refined and perfected, and Murano glass is today (if not in Venice, where you can enjoy an excellent spritz? ;-) ) and we hope to see you at our next outings.
Thanks to everyone!