Burano lace

Many curious legends exist explaining how Venetian lace-making came into being but we do know that the lace-making technique, widely present in Burano from the 16^th century onwards, has extremely ancient origins and traditions. 

In the past lace was highly esteemed and widely requested by royal families all over Europe, and soon became an important resource for the island of Burano.

To stop this ancient craft from being lost a lace-making school was established where they taught the "punto in aria", a stitch typical of Burano, as well as the traditional needle lace technique.

The ancient art of lace-making has been passed down from generation to generation through the skilled hands of the Burano lace-makers, right up to the present day.

Today Burano lace-making, like Murano glass-making, is one of the leading traditional artisan processes carried out in the Venetian lagoon area, and there have been many attempts to revive it and ensure that it does not die out by means of training courses, promotional events, artisan initiatives and historic fairs. 

Today as you stroll through the splendid island of Burano you will find numerous shops selling artisan lace: table cloths, handkerchiefs, dresses, etc.

The former lace-making school (it closed in 1972) now houses the Museo del Merletto di Burano, a lace museum where you can admire original lace dating from the 16^th to the 20^th century.