In recent weeks we have heard a lot about Venezia and the endless struggle againstacqua alta but, beyond the water, we find a boundless world that surrounds the great island: the Venice lagoon.
Venezia it is much more than what we are used to seeing, besides St. Mark's Square and the majestic Basilica there are large channels and small islands which are one real jewel of history and tradition. A curiosity that many do not know is that these islands are an integral part of the city, let's try to make this journey together: leave there tourist Venice and get ready to explore the uncontaminated nature and countryside landscapes of the Venice Lagoon. The best season is definitely spring with the blooms and the awakening of the animals from hibernation but the lagoon is always magical in every season.
Burano: a palette full of colors
The island of Burano is a small island in the northern lagoon of the city of Venice and has approx 3000 inhabitants. Its name derives from the "Porta Boreana" direction from which the famous blows bora wind. An island rich in history and legends linked to a long one seafaring tradition. It is this ancient popular belief that explains the colors of the houses and that have made the island famous all over the world: the sailors stayed for a long time away from the island and thanks to the bright colors they could recognize their home even from a long distance on their return to the Venice Lagoon.
Not only the colors make Burano magical but also the laces, famous processing of yarns that give life to real works of art. One of the many Venetian arts that are guarded by the elders of the islands. There are no pre-established routes to visit Burano: you will have to get lost in the streets, admire the decorations of the houses and why not let yourself be told some anecdotes from the village elders, it is they who will make a day in Burano truly unforgettable.
Murano: the art of glass and a tradition of centuries
The island of Murano, divided into many small islands, is famous for the blown glass. An ancient tradition that is still carried on today by the great glass masters.
Murano, like the other islands of the Venice Lagoon, you can get around on foot in a few hours, also here you can find small bridges, colorful houses e workshops of artisans who sell glass, the island's real treasure. In 1295, the Most Serene Republic of Venice decided that all glass furnaces were moved to the island of Murano which became the largest center in the world for the production of real works of art. An ancient art that is still preserved today by great glass masters who pass on the work to new generations.
Torcello: the first Venice
Torcello it was the first inhabited island of the lagoon when the inhabitants of Altino they fled the invasions and moved to the islands. Today the island only counts ten inhabitants despite the 30.000 that were counted about a thousand years ago.
Many le wealthy people who lived in these areas, rich in nature and capable of letting you enter a magical atmosphere. Writer Ernest Hemingway he spent long periods of his life in Torcello. When you get off the boat and set foot in Torcello you enter a unique atmosphere that takes you back in time, real leap into the past, in the true history of Venice and its inhabitants.
Mazzorbo, the island of golden wine
No more than a dozen houses, small gardens and precious vegetable gardens characterize the island of Mazzorbo. After the political and economic center of Torcello, Mazzorbo was the most inhabited island of the North Lagoon. An island with an ancient history, its first inhabitants date back toRoman Empire. Mazzorbo, salt was processed, an important and essential commodity for the market of Republic of Venice.
A small note of respect certainly goes to the Resort Come, the island's flagship boasting an award-winning restaurant one star from the Michelin Guide. A small corner of paradise found and recovered by a family of great connoisseurs of wine. Here is produced a wine that resists high water, ancient and with an authentic flavor. A precious jewel to keep for future generations, looking for small pieces of a city that I am lucky enough to call home.
