What can you see in Murano?

If you have little time in Murano try to do at least one of these three: Watch glass being worked in a furnace. It is a unique experience that must be witnessed at least once in a lifetime. The skill of the master glassblower at work always fascinates: from a shapeless heap of molten glass he is able to create true masterpieces with a speed and precision that will leave you speechless.   Visit the Glass Museum It contains a collection of glass works that provide an insight into the history and evolution of glass art on the island. It also houses many modern works thanks to continuous wall donations from the furnaces.   Enter the Cathedral of Murano (Basilica Santi Maria e Donato) The basilica of Santi Maria e Donato is one of the finest examples of Venetian Romanesque and is the main church on the island of Murano. https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duomo_di_Murano A bit of history and curiosity Certainly, as soon as one thinks of the island of Murano, one can only think of the magnificent blown glass. The island of Murano, in fact, is famous throughout the world for the wonderful ability of master glassblowers to create true works of art in glass since ancient times, handing down formulas and techniques from one generation to the next. Not everyone knows, however, that the history of Murano's glassmaking art began as early as the 6th century, although initially it was only marginal because the main commercial activities were fishing and the salt trade. It was in 1291 that the Government of the Republic, recognising the importance of the flourishing glass industry, issued an ordinance forcing the transfer of all furnaces in Venice to the island of Murano: thus creating to all intents and purposes an island dedicated to glass. The reason for the move was to preserve the Serenissima from the frequent fires that unfortunately frequently broke out inside the workshops in the populous city centre, but it concealed the real reason, which was to keep the secrets of glass production and its trade. The Republic was so jealous of the secrets of Murano glass that master glassmakers were forbidden to leave Venice without express permission from the Republic, and exporting the secrets of Murano glassmaking abroad was considered a crime punishable by death. On the other hand, glass masters enjoyed respect and esteem and a high social status, far above that of other craftsmen of the time. They had, for instance, immunity from prosecution, their daughters could marry Venetian nobility and they were also allowed to carry a sword. This testifies how the art of glass, probably imported from the East thanks to the Crusaders, was already a precious commodity and an inexhaustible source of wealth for the Serenissima at the time.