Within the walls of this small shop lie some of the most beautifully wrought examples of Venetian art in the area. All colors of the spectrum dance around the walls of this shop while sunlight plays on the fine glass displayed upon its shelves.

Once again I gave into the urge to purchase glass here. The choices were endless, fom the smallest of pieces to finely blown paper weights and glassware and finally to some of the most delicate and breathtaking examples of glassware I have ever seen! Even if I had had the budget or the inclination to purchase such pieces I would have been loathe to do so, in fear of them breaking while traveling throughout Italy. Although they do ship pieces and promise to pack them well, I still gave pause and settled for a much smaller piece, which I felt more comfortable carrying around.

The bottom line is this: a trip to Venice is not complete unless you view firsthand the beauty and artistry of blown glass and this shop is one that has example after example of such an art on display. It is well worth the visit and well worth the search (for some shops can be hard to locate in this city), but it is a hunt well worth the time.

Ciao!

The sun through the windows into a rainbow of color and form. Never had I see such glitter and glow in one place! This store was fantastic! From the tiniest of hand blown curios to large vases and bowls, this shop has something for everyone, and for everyone's pocket as well! I was enthralled with the selection here, for though a small store it had an amazing selection and amazing prices as well!

If you are looking for a bargain, pass by this shop; it is definitely priced on the high end of the scale, but I can assure you that the sheer beauty of the items on display when you return home will make you forget how truly pricey they really were.

I also would be remiss if I did not mention how helpful and kind the employees are in this shop. I was pleased with their helpful manner and the care they put into wrapping each individual piece so it would survive the trip home. Their customer service, if nothing else, will cause me to return to this shop when I next visit the city!

Also, as a side note, you can get most of the same stuff on the island of Venice at a cheaper price -- you just have to make sure its says "Murano glass" if you want the real thing.

The name of the island is synonymous with the world famous glass that has been made there since manufacturers were moved from the centre due to fire risks in the late 13th century. As the former hub of an international trading network changed into a major destination, so too the industry has adapted, nowadays providing visitors with instantly recognisable gifts and souvenirs. Whilst it is true that buying the distinctively vibrant and ornate products is easy in the city's inner districts, heading to the source probably yields better prices and selection. Visiting some of the numerous shops and browsing the goods, which vary all the way from cheap and garish to expensive and classy, should be a diverting experience even for those who are not interested in making a purchase, especially as it often possible to see the creation of pieces in progress. One possible way of making the journey out is to take advantage of free boat rides that are offered by many retailers, but going on the vaporetto proved to be a better idea because doing so gave me the time to explore the island at a leisurely pace.

Meanwhile, anyone who wants to view incredibly eye-catching examples of the local craft would be well served by a visit to the Vetrario Museum. It is located in the former palace of a bishop, and exhibits some of the finest pieces ever produced locally, from elaborate baroque and Art Nouveau creations to stunning contemporary works. Although almost everything displayed is magnificent, probably the single most spectacular item is the famous enamelled blue cup that the master artisan Angelo Barovier created several centuries ago.

In addition, there are some other worthwhile things to see that are actually unrelated to the ubiquitous glassware and can make the excursion a fuller experience. For starters, it is possible to wander a short distance off of the beaten track and discover a charming area of pleasant canals and attractive architecture, which is reminiscent of the main part of the city, albeit on a much smaller scale and without the crowds. Of the numerous appealing buildings, the highlight is the Church of Ss Mary and Donato, which really should be the island's primary attraction. It is an excellent 12th-century example of Byzantine architecture that is not only home to some richly colourful floor mosaics and a breathtaking altar painting, but is also a nice sanctuary from both the tourists and pushy salesmen found elsewhere.