A Day of Light, Lace and Love (3)

- May 17, 2018

Too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the conversation.
Elizabeth Drew

The Venetian Islands
While in Venice, we decided we would indulge in an island tour to Murano, Burano and Torcello.

Murano
Known for the beautiful hand blown glass factories. We are fortunate to participate in a tour and watch a master at work. He produced two familiar types; a vase and a horse rearing up. He makes it looks very easy. I purchased a few jewelry items including earrings which are light as feathers.

Approaching Murano

Glass Shop

Heating the glass

Shaping

Finished

In 1291, all the glassmakers in Venice were forced to move to Murano due to the risk of fires. In the following century, exports began, and the island became famous, initially for glass beads and mirrors. Aventurine glass was invented on the island, and for a while Murano was the main producer of glass in Europe. The island later became known for chandeliers. Although decline set in during the eighteenth century, glassmaking is still the island's main industry. The oldest Murano glass factory that is still active today is that of Pauly & C. – Compagnia Venezia Murano, founded in 1866.(1)

Burano
Another lovely island full of shops and busy people. In addition to the lace maker's, Burano is famous for their colorful houses. The colours of the houses follow a specific system, originating from the golden age of its development. If someone wishes to paint their home, one must send a request to the government, who will respond by making notice of the certain colours permitted for that lot. (2)

Strolling

Through

Town

We ate lunch in the park

It rose in importance only in the 16th century, when women on the island began making lace with needles, being introduced to such a trade via Venetian-ruled Cyprus. When Leonardo da Vinci visited in 1481, he visited the small town of Lefkara and purchased a cloth for the main altar of the Duomo di Milano. The lace was soon exported across Europe, but trade began to decline in the 18th century and the industry did not revive until 1872, when a school of lacemaking was opened. Lacemaking on the island boomed again, but few now make lace in the traditional manner as it is extremely time-consuming and therefore expensive.(3)

(1-3 via Wikipedia)

Torcello was first settled in the year 452 and has been referred to as the parent island from which Venice was populated. It was a town with a cathedral and bishops before St Mark's Basilica was built.

Approaching Torcello

Today's main attraction is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, founded in 639. It is of basilica-form with side aisles but no crossing, and has much 11th and 12th century Byzantine work.(1)

Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta

Another noteworthy sight for tourists is an ancient stone chair, known as Attila’s Throne. It has, however, nothing to do with the king of the Huns, but may have been the podestà’s or the bishop’s chair or the seat where chief magistrates were inaugurated.

"Attila's Throne"

Torcello is also home to a Devil's Bridge, known as the Ponte del Diavolo or alternatively the Ponticello del Diavolo (devil's little bridge).(2)

Ponte del Diavolo

As we approached the town's center we came upon a bride and groom exiting the chapel as rice and flowers rained down. Such a beautiful day for a happy event.

Since the wedding party was needing the chapel

for photos we didn't go in and disturb them.

There are about 100 people that live full time on the island, but gardens well kept and flowers blooming all over. Part of the canal comes right into the square and several individual's drove up as we were there.