Venetian Glass

Known the world over, Venetian glass is colorful, elaborate and skill-fully made. Glass is one of the oldest forms of art, dating back to about 3500 years ago. Though it is unclear when, where and how the art of glass making was discovered, Venice became the glass making capital of the world in the 13th century.

When the Venetian Republic, fearing fire and destruction to the city’s mostly wood buildings, ordered the destruction of all the foundries within the city in 1291, all Venetian glass production was moved to Murano. Murano is often known as “the glass island”. Murano glass is still interwoven with Venetian glass. Murano’s glassmakers held a monopoly on quality glassmaking for centuries, developing or refining many technologies including crystalline glass, enameled glass, glass with threads of gold, multicolored glass, milk glass, and imitation gemstones made of glass. Today, the artisans of Murano are still employing these centuries-old techniques, crafting everything from contemporary art glass and glass jewelry to Murano glass chandeliers and wine stoppers.

Take a tour of a Glass Factory on your next Venice Vacation with Celtic Tours. On your Glass Factory Tour you will learn about the ancient art of glass-blowing, the amazing history of Venetian Glass and even make your own Venetian Glass to take home with you. This tour is included on our Treasures of Italy Tour, or you can add it on to your Venice City Stay Package.