Fondamenta dei Squeri, 30142 Venezia VE, Italy (July 2022)

Burano

Burano is one of the most enchanting islands in the Venetian Lagoon, located about seven kilometres northeast of Venice. Known around the world for its brightly coloured houses and its centuries-old lace-making tradition, Burano offers visitors a picture-perfect blend of charm, history, and authentic island life. The vivid palette of its buildings, reflected in the calm waters of its canals, creates a dreamlike scene that feels almost unreal, making it one of the most photographed places in Italy. Yet beyond its beauty, Burano tells a story of community, craftsmanship, and resilience.

The island’s origins date back to Roman times, though it began to flourish during the early Middle Ages when people from the mainland sought refuge in the lagoon’s islands to escape barbarian invasions. Its strategic location and access to fishing grounds helped the settlement grow into a thriving fishing village. The famous coloured houses, which today define Burano’s unique identity, are said to have been painted in bright hues so that fishermen could recognize their homes from afar when returning through the fog. Each family traditionally maintained a distinct colour, regulated even today by local authorities to preserve the island’s visual harmony.

Burano’s cultural heart lies in its lace-making heritage. Since the sixteenth century, the island has been celebrated for producing delicate hand-made lace, a craft that once brought fame and wealth to the community. The art was perfected by generations of women who worked with extraordinary patience and precision, creating patterns that were exported to the courts of Europe. The Lace Museum, housed in the historic Palazzo del Podestà, preserves this legacy, displaying intricate examples of Burano lace and telling the stories of the artisans who kept the tradition alive.

Despite its proximity to Venice, Burano maintains a peaceful and intimate atmosphere. Life here moves at a slower pace. Locals chat outside their homes, fishermen mend their nets, and the smell of fresh seafood drifts through the narrow streets. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as risotto di gò, made with local fish, in small family-run trattorias. The island’s modest church, San Martino, is notable for its leaning bell tower, a charming reminder of the lagoon’s shifting ground. Burano embodies the spirit of Venetian life in miniature. It is a place where colour meets craftsmanship, where every corner tells a story, and where tradition continues to shape daily life

Worth a Visit

Photo Gallery of Walk in Burano – Fondamenta dei Squeri to Rio Terrà del Pizzo

Approximately 0.67 km – 0.42 miles

The walk starts in Fondamenta dei Squeri – Viale Marcello – Fondamenta S. Mauro – Ponte – Fondamenta San Mauro – Fondamenta degli Assassini – Via Baldassarre Galuppi – Rio Terrà del Pizzo