Burano

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Nowadays, the island of Burano is famous for its brightly coloured houses, but it was once renowned throughout Europe as a manufacturer of high-quality lace. Burano's lace was once as an important an export as Murano's glass. However, in the 18th century cheaper lace from France slowly pushed Burano out of the market. 

In 1872 Countess Adriana Marcello set up the Scuola del Merletto in an effort to re-establish the tradition of lace-making on the island. The scuola was housed in the medieval Palazzo Comunale, which is now home to the Museo del Merletto (Museum of Lace). The museum was opened in 1981 and has a fine collection of lace dating from the 16th to the 20th century. 

San Martino Vescovo, with its distinctive leaning bell-tower, is Burano's only church. 

The 18th century composer Baldassare Galuppi (1706-85) was born on Burano. Known locally as Il Buranello, the island's main street is named after him. 

Burano

Museo del Merletto