Murano island
Rio dei Vetrai
Canal of the Glassmakers
Charming canal, bustling with artisan glass workshops.
Featured in
Murano
What makes it special
Masters of glass
Along this historic canal, master artisans craft exquisite glass creations, offering the unique chance to buy authentic pieces directly from their hands.
"Stream of Glassmakers"
The canal gets its name from the numerous glassmakers' shops, both new and ancient, that line its banks. It's where the majority of Murano's glass artistry is concentrated.
A respite
It was here glassmakers found relief from the scorching furnaces, stepping out to the water's edge for a vital break.
Your experience here
- Indulge in glass souvenir shopping directly from the makers.
- More affordable, non-authentic options are also available.
Create your own glass artifact
Why just buy what others have created when you can craft your own?
In this 2-hour class, you'll be at the forefront of glassblowing and glass creation.
Start by watching a live demonstration, then receive hands-on instruction from a glass master.
Take home your own glass artifact as a truly unique souvenir, and a fantastic story to brag about!
Watch a glassblowing demo
The Glass Cathedral stands at the southern end of the canal, right next to the water bus stop from Venice.
This distinctive spot, once a church, is home to one of Murano's finest and most unhurried glassblowing demonstrations.
Getting here from Venice
To reach Murano Island from Venice and then stroll along Rio dei Vetrai, you generally have two main options.
Take the waterbus
Want to explore at your own pace? Hop on a vaporetto to the Murano Colonna stop.
You'll find several lines serving it, but Line 4 from Venice Fondamente Nove is a super quick route, getting you there in under 10 minutes.
Other options include Line 3 from Train Station or the seasonal Line 7 from Piazza San Marco.
Just a heads-up: waterbuses can get packed during peak hours, especially on the return journey from Murano.
Opt for a private tour
Indulge in a private transfer by fast water taxi directly to Murano.
On this exclusive 3-hour tour, you'll explore the island with a knowledgeable guide and witness a captivating glassblowing demonstration.
It's the perfect way to bypass crowded public transport and maximize your valuable time.
What to see nearby
These top spots are just a short walk from Rio dei Vetrai:
5-10 min away
Museo del Vetro
10-15 min away
Santi Maria e Donato
