Famous for its vividly painted homes and its deeply rooted connection to fishing and local craftsmanship, Burano also offers a unique experience through its picturesque streets, where canals reflect the bright facades, and the leaning bell tower of San Martino church creates a striking silhouette.

The Colorful Houses

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The island's colorful houses have a fascinating history. According to tradition, the Buranelli—as the island's inhabitants are called—painted their homes in vivid colors to help fishermen returning after long seasons at sea recognize their own houses, even in the thick fog of winter. In reality, the practice of painting houses in rainbow hues is a more recent tradition, meant to mark property boundaries and allow residents to use the space outside their homes as an informal extension of their living area.

The Famous Lace of the Island

Another significant tradition of Burano is its renowned lace. According to legend, it was born from the foam of the waves. It is said that a young man leaving for a distant war stirred the water with his oar, and the foam magically solidified into a precious bridal veil, which ended up in the hands of his beloved who was waiting for his return. This ancient craft reached its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries, fell into decline, and was revived in the 19th century by Cencia Scarpariola, an elderly lace maker who taught the traditional stitches to new generations. Today, the Lace Museum, housed in the Palazzo del Podestà, preserves invaluable examples of this centuries-old tradition.

The traditional bisquit: bussolà

In addition to the colorful houses and lace, Burano is also famous for its traditional dessert, the "bussolà"—a donut-shaped biscuit made with flour, eggs, and butter. It's a true delight, perfect for enjoying while strolling through the alleys and across the bridges of the island.

Squares, Churches, and Bridges

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The main square is dedicated to Baldassare Galuppi, a famous Venetian musician born right here and nicknamed "Il Buranello." In the same square stands the church of San Martino Vescovo di Tours, a Renaissance building that houses important Venetian School paintings, including "The Crucifixion," a youthful work by Giambattista Tiepolo painted in 1725. The square is also home to the Palazzo del Podestà. The island was also the birthplace of a distinguished 20th-century sculptor, Remigio Barbaro, who received numerous art awards both in Italy and abroad.

Its colors, traditions, and unique character make Burano a destination that continues to enchant and offer unforgettable experiences.

(text by Marco Molin, aerial photo by Marco Contessa)

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