Most of us know about Venice, Italy. It’s that gorgeous city in Italy comprised of canals and bridges. However, what many people don’t know is Venice is actually composed of 118 islands. Venice is the capital of the Veneto Region, which is the entire 118 islands that are known as Venice. One of those islands is Burano. It is in the Northern Venetian Lagoon. Being 11 km away from Venice, it’s connected to Venice by the Canale Bisatto-Canale Carbonera-Scomenzera San Giacomo’s trail. It takes about 45 minutes to get from Venice to Burano.
Burano is known as one of the ten of the most colorful cities in the world. The streets are lined are with brightly, neon colored houses. The houses are all square shaped. The houses in Burano are rowhouses, and every house is a different color. The effect is amazing! The houses themselves are two or three stories. The bottom floor is usually composed of a kitchen, a breakfast area, and a powder room. The rest of the floors are just bedrooms. The different colors of the houses were originally painted to mark the boundary of the properties. The ancient legend in Burano is that the fisherman wanted the houses painted so they could see them from far away when they went fishing. These houses are the core of the city of Burano, and are what they are truly proud of.
Another aspect of Burano’s fame is their handmade lace. The legend that accompanies the history of Burano lace traces back to fisherman(again!). The legend goes like this, there was an ancient betrothed fisherman who was out fishing farther away from the lagoon, in the east sea. At this point he cam upon a siren who tried to woo him by her canto. However, the fisherman refused her advances. The siren’s queen was so impressed by the fisherman’s faithfulness she offered him a gift. She thumped the side of his boat with her tail. This created a foam from which a wedding veil was developed. When it came time for the fisherman’s marriage, he gave his fiancee, the wedding veil he received from the siren. Everyone in the town admired and envied her for the beautiful wedding lace. Therefore, they started to imitate the veil with needle and thread. Each trying to create an even thinner and more beautiful lace for their own wedding dresses.
As you may have noticed fisherman are a big part of Burano’s history and culture. Since Burano is an island which is mainly a marshland, fishing was always the only way to make money and soon became the main activity. Fisherman would use their catches as currency. They would trade their fish for wood, wheat, wine, therefore making it the main source of income. Fishing is still very popular, but the amount of fisherman has greatly decreased over the years. Now there are about 450 fisherman and they are all in a cooperative. If you are looking for something to eat in Burano, definitely go for the local fish at one of the restaurants.
It is extremely interesting the way in which industry can then affect the culture of that area. Those fishermen’s tales of the colored houses and beautiful lace give meaning to the area and probably help pull the local individuals together in a sense of unity. Those fishermen create a relatable point where individuals can feel as if they were a part of the story. Another aspect that I found really cool was that Venice is actually 118 islands. You’re right if I am like most people because I definitely did not know that. Very cool post, and I would love the opportunity to visit there to see the waters and vibrant-colored houses.
Burano looks absolutely stunning! I love the brightly colored houses as they remind me of the colorful cities of Guanajuato, Mexico and Akko, Israel, and remind me just how much I miss visiting those places. Every place has a story, and this is one of the best I’ve heard. It is also interesting how the people of Burano intertwined the tale of the fisherman and the siren so that they may explain the origins of their interest and adeptness at creating lace. The tale of Burano and the quaint little town which can be seen in the picture makes me so very happy, and as always, I would love to be able to visit this town!
After my grandfather passed, who was born and raised in a small town in Italy, my father took a trip with his sisters to visit where his mother and father were raised. I think Italy is a spectacular place and I always wanted to visit. My father was able to visit Venice and brought back the most beautiful pictures. Burano seems like a beautiful island, filled with history, good food and spectacular colors! I’ll suggest that next time my father is in Venice, he should take me along and visit this island!!
Wow, the row houses in Burano look so unique. It’s almost as if they appear to be something fake. It kind of reminds me of when I would always tell my mom that I was going to paint my house bright green. If I were to move here, it would be completely acceptable! I love the water source just running straight down the middle. Typical Italy, huh!?
The legend of the lace is very interesting. Its fun to think that something so beautiful and expensive came from only foam.