Thursday, April 27, 2017

VENICE 2017: The Mazzorbo and Burano Islands


After lunch in Torcello (last post), the farthest-out island in the Venetian lagoon, we hopped on the vaporetto to the nearby islands of Mazzorbo and Burano on our way back to Venice.

You can see how close the 3 islands are:  Torcello, Mazzorbo and Burano.

It so happens that the lesser-known Mazzorbo is linked to Burano by a footbridge.  And since it was right at the valporetto stop, we decided to visit it first.

It's tell-tale landmark is the bell tower of the Church of St. Michael Archangel from the 11th cent.

The tower is smack-dab in the vineyard of the Venissa Estate
The bottom-right image is looking back from Burano later, so nearby.

It's a walled vineyard of 5 acres, whose Medieval walls were restored in 1727 (top row).
From outside the wall we looked back to the church in Torcello from that morning (center row)
...and then to Burano back across the wooden footbridge (bottom row).

There was more to see in Mazzorbo but it was enough to say we did it.
It was Burano we had stopped to see.

Remember how we had seen it from the bell tower in Torcello that morning?
These islands are like sisters, holding hands...so close to each other.

As you probably know, Burano is most known for it's small, brightly-painted houses.

The colours of the houses follow a specific system originating from the golden age of its development; if someone wishes to paint their home, one must send a request to the government, who will respond by making notice of the certain colours permitted for that lot.  --Wiki

Can you imagine living there?  I hope you're not color-blind!

Who knew you could do so much with color.

Impressions.  Always impressions.

And lots of lace!  Burano is also known for its lace...like Murano is known for it's glass.
Lace-making revived in 1872 when a lace-making school was opened.
But few have continued the time-consuming and expensive tradition, though much lace is still sold.

Of course, the tilting church tower of the 16th cent. Church of San Martino beckoned.
The 53-meter tower was built in the 17th century.  It was hard to miss!  

Lucky for us, the church was open.

We were especially glad to see Mother Teresa (top-right).

What is it about living near the water like this.  
It grows on you, as we can attest from where we live here in the Netherlands.

But nowhere will you probably ever see such concentrated color, not even in the Netherlands!


12 comments:

  1. I never saw so many beautiful painted houses. The travel from Venice was a delight, cruising the lagoon. I can see why people fall in love with this place. It was not too crowded (yet) and I think that was part of the charm. Short of eyes.... thank you for another memory. I know it takes time to make these posts, I appreciate it to no end. It is like opening a gift and be surprised all over again of the beauty of what we saw. IHVJ.

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    1. It does take time to make these posts, yes, but it's important to me that we have these memories to come back to whenever we wish. Your appreciation only makes me want to keep doing it all that much more, so THANK YOU!!!

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  2. Really a beautiful series Ginnie, I love Burano and its colors. Thank you for the sharing.

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    1. Thank you, Marie, and you're so welcome, of course. I'm just glad you know what I'm talking about. :)

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  3. The houses remind me of the jelly bean row houses in St. John's, Newfoundland. Such a beautiful street and the 11th century tower is wonderful in its longevity if nothing else.

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    1. There's a section of Bristol in England, Marie, that also has a row of colored houses. But when the entire city is like this, it sure makes it extra special, doesn't it!

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  4. Replies
    1. I know, Ruth. And to think people from all over the world make sure they see them when possible.

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  5. You know what's the beauty of Venice posts? I just love seeing the place through your eyes and lens and marvel at the things that I missed.

    Please go to Lisbon and see the things I missed while my jaw was on the floor~!

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    1. When there is so much to see, Maria, and we are already "short of eyes," we all are sure to miss many things. But yes, Astrid and I do plan to visit Lisbon one year soon. Between the both of us, we'll see almost everything. HA!

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  6. Oh, so happy you shared Burano. We didn't make it there, just Murano. From your images it really reminds me of an area in Buenos Aires! So colorful! I'm not a lace person, but the detail is truly a sight!

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    1. When I went to Venice in my past life, Robin, we were there long enough (2 days and an overnight) to visit both Murano and Burano in the same trip. Once you see Burano, you never forget it, of course. I could hardly wait to show it to Astrid.

      I'm with you on the lace part...which did nothing for me except to see it as part of their tourist industry.

      I just looked and here's my post on Burano back in 2007: http://ginniehart.blogspot.nl/2007/11/conversation-peace.html


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