Burano Island

Burano Island
Source: pixelio.de Photographer: Hanni Flicker

What is glass for Murano Island is lace-work for Burano. Here some of the most luxurious laces in the world are made. But be careful – what is available in the many small souvenir shops has less to do with the dexterity of women and more to with the sophistry of the shop owners. The low cost laces almost always originate from the Far East; the original lace of Burano on the other hand, is rare and very, very expensive.

Burano is much smaller than Murano- the island has just 5000 inhabitants. However many boats of tourists come here, although less than visit Murano. Burano is thus a great tip for all those that wish to take a breather from the crowds in ‘Bella Venezia’. The journey in itself through the lagoon is a delight. Once on Burano it is easy to see why this island attracts more than the average number of painters and photographers. In earlier days nearly all the men on this island were fishermen and all the women made lace. Life was not poor, however far from being rich. Hence the small houses of the fishermen are closely nestled one like the other. All the houses are the same? This may apply to the construction however not for the colours. Each house stands out from its neighbours by its colour. This creates a unique and picturesque atmosphere and is so doubly if the colours are reflected in the water. In any case don’t forget your camera!

Each house stands out from its neighbours by its colour.
Source: pixelio.de Photographer: Hanni Flicker

The lace makers and lace embroiderers from Burano were almost forgotten in the mid 19th Century. At that time the new technologies that ‘thanks’ to the industrial revolution were now implemented and made a reality by machines, had a big impact. Their craftsmanship was almost pointless now, and as a result fewer women learnt this skill. It finally came to a point that only one single old lady knew the secret of lace making that had previously been passed down from generation to generation. As a consequence, gentlewomen of the Italian society pulled the ‘emergency breaks’ and in 1872 founded the embroidery and lace school ‘Scuola di Merletti’. It was personally promoted by the most noble of gentlewomen at that time – Queen Margaret and of course was located on Burano where one can still visit it today.

Tourist Guide Venice

Burano Island