Burano, Italy, is a tiny island in the northernmost area of the Venetian Lagoon. Burano is a 40 minute ride from Venice via “vaporetti,” or Venetian motorboat. In Burano, visitors will delight in the sights, tastes and sounds of this quaint fishing village laced with a colorful history.
Visitors approaching Burano are soon met with its most endearing attraction: colorfully painted buildings in a myriad of blues, yellows, reds and pinks. Although the lively homes look like a hodgepodge of colors, residents must obtain permission from the government before certain colors can be used in certain lots. The custom of painting homes in different hues dates back to when fishermen used different colors to distinguish their homes. This practice enabled them to quickly identify their homes from a distance or during darkness or bad weather.
The town’s main plaza, Piazza Galuppi, is named in honor of Italian composer Baldassarre Galuppi who was born in Burano around 1706.
Located in the Piazza Galuppi, the Museo Del Merletto (Burano Lace Museum) offers visitors an overview of Burano’s ancient art of lace making. Recently restored, the museum serves both as a tribute to the history of lace making and an effort to preserve and revive lace making skills. Visitors can view over 150 lace samples, numerous exhibits, and lace maestros demonstrating their intricate designs.
Across the piazza from the museum, visitors can explore Burano’s own version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The leaning campanile is part of the Church of San Martino Vescovo. Inside this 16th century church, visitors will find countless historical and artistic treasures including the “Crucifixion” by Giambattista Tiepolo.
Most visitors agree that simply wondering about the narrow cobblestone streets of Burano is an adventure itself. Friendly locals, garden courtyards and a plethora of photo opportunities make visiting Burano a worthwhile endeavor.
Another motive for visiting the island of Burano is the exquisite seafood that can be found there. Cafes, trattorias, ristorantes, osterias and bakeries abound in Burano. Make sure to try the citrus-flavored Burranelli cookies.
For clear skies and mild weather, spring and autumn are the best times to visit. Visitors choosing to visit during summer will find high concentrations of tourists and heat. Winters can be cold and damp, but the temperature rarely falls below freezing.
No matter what time of the year, visitors to Burano, Italy, can enjoy the charming, tranquil pace of this picturesque island that time seems to have overlooked.
