Unpacking Italy & Sicily - Part Thirteen
Islands of Art: The Beauty of Murano and Burano
Buongiorno,
I'm almost to the end of my journey to Italy, and I can't wrap up this series without taking you to two unforgettable places: the islands of Murano and Burano, just off the coast of Venice and accessible by water taxi.
Murano, a small cluster of islands in the Venetian Lagoon, is world-renowned for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition. We toured a glass factory and watched in awe as artisans—masters of their craft—shaped molten glass into exquisite pieces that shimmered with light and color. It was like watching fire become art.
And then there was Burano—my favorite place of all.
Famous for its delicate, handcrafted lace, Burano is equally celebrated for its vibrantly painted homes that line the canals like a watercolor come to life. We were told we might see women sitting at their doorsteps, weaving lace using techniques passed down through generations. Although we didn’t witness that tradition in action, I did bring a little piece of Burano home with me: a lace Christmas ornament and a beautiful scarf from a tiny shop. The shopkeeper proudly told me the scarf was her own design, made by her hands.
While I admired the lace and the immense skill behind it, what truly captured my heart were the colors—the way each house seemed to wear its own personality, like joy painted in bold strokes.
Curious about the tradition, I later learned there are two legends behind Burano’s brilliant palette:
One says that when fishing was the island’s main livelihood, the houses were painted in bright, distinctive hues so fishermen could find their way home in the thick Venetian fog.
The other suggests the colors helped distinguish families—many of whom shared the same last names. Neighbors referred to one another by the color of their house or a nickname tied to it.
Whatever the origin, the effect today is enchanting—like wandering through a dream spun in light and color.
What makes you feel alive?
What colors or spaces make you feel most alive?
Hope you'll join us at The Kitchen Table on Friday, June 27th. This month at the Kitchen Table, we gather with suitcases full of stories, hearts cracked open by beauty, and maybe even a little sand still in our shoes.
Inspired by the theme “The Art of Returning,” we’ll explore what it means to come home—not just physically, but emotionally and soulfully—after stepping away from our everyday lives. Whether you’ve recently travelled far or simply taken a pause from routine, time away has a way of shifting something inside us. We’ll reflect on how holidays—of any kind—leave us changed, awakened, softened, and somehow a little more ourselves again.
As always, we’ll share gentle conversation, meaningful reflection, and a creative project to anchor our experience.
Arrivederci!
