Murano island
Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato
Basilica of Saints Mary and Donatus
Old church with magnificent Byzantine mosaics and a dragon myth.
Murano Museo (4-min walk)
www.sandonatomurano.it
+39 041 739056
Standard admission is €3.50.
Additional resources
What makes it special
12th-Century mosaics
Marvel at the golden-glass mosaic of the Virgin Mary and the intricate floor mosaics beneath your feet. Birds, symbols, and geometric patterns crafted from precious stones whisper stories of a long-lost world.
Dragon bones
Look behind the altar and you’ll spot enormous hanging ribs. According to local legend, these are the bones of a dragon slain by San Donatus.
Your experience here
You'll be welcomed by an elegant exterior and then mesmerized by the mosaics inside. Kids will ask countless questions about the fabled dragon.
How to get to the basilica
To reach Murano Island from Venice and then explore its basilica, you generally have two main options.
Take the waterbus
Want to explore at your own pace? Hop on a vaporetto to the Murano Museo stop.
You'll find several lines serving it, but Line 4 from Venice Fondamente Nove is a super quick route, getting you there in about 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 Santi Maria e Donato:
super close
Museo del Vetro
10-15 min away
Rio dei VetraiMore like this
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