Vecchia Murano
Vecchia Murano
4
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Near the iconic Bridge of Sighs resides one of Venice's most elegant glass showrooms. Stunning chandeliers and vases vie for attention, but prancing horses in all sizes and prices steal the show.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: San Marco
The most famous sestiere (district) in Venice has one of the world's most famous squares, St. Mark's (Piazza San Marco). Anchored on one end by the basilica, clustered around it are restaurants, museums, shops, orchestras playing in the square, pigeons, the grand pink Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale), the soaring campanile bell tower, an astrological clock tower, plus gorgeous cafes and restaurants like Florian and Quadri. Piazza San Marco is beloved by Venetians themselves. They book a table anytime, which offers a buffer from the fray. This grand outdoor drawing room attracts Venetians for a stroll too, especially late in the afternoon when the hoards of daytrippers thin out. It's simply a grand place to meet.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
755 reviews
Excellent
261
Very good
257
Average
111
Poor
64
Terrible
62
Babette W
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Business
We enjoyed a glassblowing demo and tour with a school group, the students had time in the factory and shop and learned about the process. We ended up purchasing a beautiful Milliefiori set with a small but appreciated discount. It was shipped to us and arrived the day after we returned from our trip! The students appreciated learning about the local culture and we were glad to support local Venetian company with a tour and a purchase that will provide lasting memories for us. Grazie mille.
Written March 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zfy Ed
Singapore, Singapore11,008 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
The glass factory is located on a narrow bridge behind Piazza San Marco. And tour groups do come by here and the place is full of people at all times. According to our guide, the factory features the largest glass equestrian work of art in the world.
The factory covers a wide area and divided into different sections like live demo on glass making, the display area and sales gallery. It was pretty impressive to watch a master artisan transform a hot molten blob into a delicate prancing dragon within a couple of minutes. Great job!
While we were allowed to photograph the craftsman at work, once in the display or sales gallery, we were told photography is prohibited.
The manager explained the beauty, quality and resilience of Murano glasses and indirectly "hard sell" the various glass sets ranging from a few hundred to thousands of euros stating there're only 1-2 sets left and if purchase now got promotional prices! Sound familiar? But most of the items are expensive.
It was a good eye-opening experience for us!
The factory covers a wide area and divided into different sections like live demo on glass making, the display area and sales gallery. It was pretty impressive to watch a master artisan transform a hot molten blob into a delicate prancing dragon within a couple of minutes. Great job!
While we were allowed to photograph the craftsman at work, once in the display or sales gallery, we were told photography is prohibited.
The manager explained the beauty, quality and resilience of Murano glasses and indirectly "hard sell" the various glass sets ranging from a few hundred to thousands of euros stating there're only 1-2 sets left and if purchase now got promotional prices! Sound familiar? But most of the items are expensive.
It was a good eye-opening experience for us!
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bedling2nterrier
Alexandria, VA14 contributions
Feb 2020
I came here in early February with a group of 12 organized by GoAhead Tours. It is located in a very nondescript building. Without the tour guide, we would not have found it. As I recall, they do not allow photographs in the shop, due to copyright reasons. They do allow photographs during the introductory demonstration which lasted about 15 minutes or so. The glassblower of our demonstration was able to create glass objects such as horses and other animals very quickly. It was amazing the detail of the glass objets d'art created in from of us. He made it all seem so easy. I'm sure the skills take many years to master. The shop area highlights the works of the individual glassblowers. Each has his own style and specialty. The prices are only moderately expensive for high-quality items. I purchased two large wine goblets with read and gold details. I paid about $200 with maybe $50 for shipping. They had them shipped to my house in Alexandria, Virginia within two or three weeks. Fascinating exhibits. No complaints.
Written May 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Habana
4 contributions
Sep 2022
I strongly believe that the Tourist Bus companies should be made aware of the deceptive sales clerks in this store in Venice. The glass blowing was good and the presentation of how it is made. BUT BEWARE! After procrastinating whether to spend more than $50 US dollars, I saw a beautiful flower piece that doubled as a candle holder. The price was $260 US but the group was promised 80% discount with purchase. The item was then offered to me for $145 US and I went ahead and purchased it. They wrapped it very well to bring home but it took a long time, and I was the handed the receipt to sign very quickly. Unfortunately to my dismay, when I received my Visa statement, I had been charged the full $260. I emailed them with pictures of the sales rep, and the item, and a long explanation of my request for a refund of $95 dollars, and no one bothered to respond. I used a second customer service address and still got no response. My bank credited me the $95 but 3 months later, they received a copy of my signed receipt for $260.00! I had t see it to believe it. He conned me good!
It needs to be made known for future victims. I highly recommend to be very cautious. This store should be avoided.
It needs to be made known for future victims. I highly recommend to be very cautious. This store should be avoided.
Written December 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana G
Sydney, Australia415 contributions
Apr 2019
The glass blowing demonstration was pretty good, but I feel like it could have been better.
The showroom is absolutely amazing. There were so many things that I just wanted to buy.
They have a great deal on posting things back to your house in your own country so that you don't have to take it with you.
The showroom is absolutely amazing. There were so many things that I just wanted to buy.
They have a great deal on posting things back to your house in your own country so that you don't have to take it with you.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simona I
San Francisco3 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We went to Venice this past summer with our children and stayed a nice hotel. The hotel booked a tour of the Murano factory. Both, my husband and I, visited the murano factory as children but wanted our girls to see it too. The sales machine there is above anything I experienced. It is impossible to walk out without purchasing something expensive. They pry on Americans being on vacation and spending their hard earned money. We ended up ordering a vase for about $3,000. I don’t like murano but I thought that if the vase had my specifications I would like it and it would be a nice memory.
I received the vase today and it is terrible. They sent a vase off the shelf with the opposite of all our specifications. We are beyond disappointed with the product and there is nothing to be done About it. The salesmen look down on Americans and believe that we don’t notice when we are duped. I strongly recommend to skip murano and spend your money on nice meals and accommodations.
I received the vase today and it is terrible. They sent a vase off the shelf with the opposite of all our specifications. We are beyond disappointed with the product and there is nothing to be done About it. The salesmen look down on Americans and believe that we don’t notice when we are duped. I strongly recommend to skip murano and spend your money on nice meals and accommodations.
Written September 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CQ$
11 contributions
Oct 2019
Please allow enough time for a leisurely stroll through this amazing shop! So many beautiful works of true art in glass! They also have a demonstration room that is worth the visit. I could have gazed at the beauty for a longer time than we had allotted! I did make some purchase that I was too worried about traveling with- No problem! They were very accommodating to ship the items to my home in the states. Everything arrived just as I returned from my trip! The items were expertly packed and all arrived in one piece! There are many glass shops to choose to visit but this one is the REAL DEAL !
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
herreu
Burlington, Canada31 contributions
We did the tour and bought two expensive vases. The salesman took the vases and started to leave the room. I followed but he said no you wait here. Like a fool I did. The packages were very well wrapped for transportation home on a plane but on opening at home we found he had switched the vases we thought we had bought for what can only be classed as "seconds". There were many flaws in the decorative design that are clearly visible.
I was totally disappointed that I was ripped off by this salesman.
I have looked for a Murano Venice website to complain but cannot find one. They must do this unethical practice all the time.
I was totally disappointed that I was ripped off by this salesman.
I have looked for a Murano Venice website to complain but cannot find one. They must do this unethical practice all the time.
Written August 19, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kitkat_135
Pittsburgh, PA41 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
My tour group was taken to Guidecca to the AVG / arti veneziane alla guidecca showroom/factory as part of our tour (INSIGHT). We were "treated" to a glass blowing demonstration and then given time in the showroom. Our tour guide told us this is the best place to buy authentic Venetian glass. The glass was stunning and flawless -- in the showroom. My husband decided to buy me a once in a lifetime gift of a red wine decanter and 8 wine glasses in the traditional venetian red with gold roses(610 euros). When the decanter and glasses arrived at our home in the US a few weeks later -- there were 4 that were chipped and all of the glass contains significant defects -- bubbles and messy gold designs. The company is happy to replace these if I send them pictures of the damage. Here's the scam -- it is almost impossible -- without a professional photographer--to get an acceptable picture of these problems in the colored glass. I've tried for 2 1/2 months to get even the chipped ones replaced and gotten no where! I think that Insight tours is in on the whole thing also because they haven't been helpful. This place is a total scam!!!
Written August 21, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Biscuitbaby
Southern California9 contributions
I am posting this as a warning to anyone thinking of buying and shipping anything from this business. What may be an enjoyable, if expensive shopping expedition can turn into a nightmare when you get home and find yourself at the mercy of the customs brokers the store used to send you your goods.
I bought a glass clown from this store. It wasn't cheap. I probably should have bargained harder. The transaction was smooth enough. I signed the generic sales form, which is apparently their contract and is binding. From this point on there are no refunds and no support. They pushed free packing and shipping and said it would be delivered to my house and would be easy for me.
When I got home I was contacted by Airworthy Customs Brokers at JFK airport who told me I owed then $360 in customs fees and brokerage fees in order to get my clown released to me. Customs was $94, freight fees, entry fees etc were $260. I had one week to pay, or storage fees would accumulate. I could abandon the shipment but would lose my entire investment. I was absolutely horrified to find fees like this attached to a $1200 purchase. I was over a barrel at this point. I had several conversations with Airworthy about it all. They refused to tell me who the Italian freight forwarder was and told me to talk to Ducale Vetreria about it. I tried to do that but their e-mails back to me basically said I had signed a contract and was stuck with it and it wasn't their problem. Everyone passed the buck, no-one would talk to me except to tell me I owed the money and it would only increase if I didn't pay up immediately.
I had no choice but to send a check to Airworthy. As soon as my check was in the mail they e-mailed and told me the cost was now $260, not $360, because the Italian freight company who shipped the box from Venice had agreed to absorb some of the costs, given my unhappiness over the fees. I asked if I should send another check and cancel the first one but was told they would refund the extra $100 to me directly, once they had received my money. The clock was running to avoid storage fees they were threatening to impose, so I was under pressure to get money to them ASAP, and no, they wouldn't take credit cards. I had to mail a check from California.
My check was cashed, my box duly arrived, with no signs of anything to do with customs on it. I contacted Airworthy and asked them for a copy of all paperwork relating to my file and also for the refund to be processed. They then told me they weren't authorized to refund me anything and I had to talk to the Italian freight agent about it, whose name they had refused to give me (!). They had sent me an e-mail telling me only they could speak to the freight agent in Italy.
I went back and told them this was unacceptable and that I had e-mails telling me I owed them $260, that they had told me over the phone they would refund me the $100 and to talk to the freight company in Venice who had apparently agreed to absorb the $100 cost. The response to THAT was to take it up with the store I purchased from, Ducale Vetreria, who had pretty much told me to take a hike and go away in previous e-mails.... No mention of giving me any paperwork and now they won't even reply to my e-mails.
Bottom line???? I feel absolutely ripped off. First, by the store I purchased from for not even mentioning these enormous fees when they made the sale and promised easy, free shipping, and for turning their back on me when I protested at the fees.
I feel completely taken advantage of by Airworthy Customs Brokers, and particularly Michael Ciofalo, who told me a different story every time I talked to him on the phone or e-mailed him, and who is now pretty much making it clear that I will never see the $100 refund he promised me....
What has happened here must surely be illegal. It is nothing more than extortion to demand money like this to release a shipment and them to refuse to follow through on your promises of repayment. I have no idea where my money went. I have no paperwork, no proof of payment to customs, no proof of where my money went, no nothing.
I will NEVER buy from Ducale Vetreria again and urge anyone who goes to Murano to think long and hard about shipping anything home because of what has happened to me. I never chose to do business with Airworthy Customs Brokers and suspect they are part of the whole scam to bilk people out of as much money as they can, in exchange for releasing their property to them.
As of September 2009, this is ongoing. I now realize I will never see my $100. I felt absolutely violated by the first demand for $360 and now feel like I have been taken for a ride all over again.
Buyer beware. Do not buy from Ducale Vetreria and do not ship anything home unless you fully understand the financial implications of doing so. If anyone has any advice on how to proceed with Airworthy, I'd like to hear it. Meanwhile, do not allow yourself to be ripped off as I have been.
I bought a glass clown from this store. It wasn't cheap. I probably should have bargained harder. The transaction was smooth enough. I signed the generic sales form, which is apparently their contract and is binding. From this point on there are no refunds and no support. They pushed free packing and shipping and said it would be delivered to my house and would be easy for me.
When I got home I was contacted by Airworthy Customs Brokers at JFK airport who told me I owed then $360 in customs fees and brokerage fees in order to get my clown released to me. Customs was $94, freight fees, entry fees etc were $260. I had one week to pay, or storage fees would accumulate. I could abandon the shipment but would lose my entire investment. I was absolutely horrified to find fees like this attached to a $1200 purchase. I was over a barrel at this point. I had several conversations with Airworthy about it all. They refused to tell me who the Italian freight forwarder was and told me to talk to Ducale Vetreria about it. I tried to do that but their e-mails back to me basically said I had signed a contract and was stuck with it and it wasn't their problem. Everyone passed the buck, no-one would talk to me except to tell me I owed the money and it would only increase if I didn't pay up immediately.
I had no choice but to send a check to Airworthy. As soon as my check was in the mail they e-mailed and told me the cost was now $260, not $360, because the Italian freight company who shipped the box from Venice had agreed to absorb some of the costs, given my unhappiness over the fees. I asked if I should send another check and cancel the first one but was told they would refund the extra $100 to me directly, once they had received my money. The clock was running to avoid storage fees they were threatening to impose, so I was under pressure to get money to them ASAP, and no, they wouldn't take credit cards. I had to mail a check from California.
My check was cashed, my box duly arrived, with no signs of anything to do with customs on it. I contacted Airworthy and asked them for a copy of all paperwork relating to my file and also for the refund to be processed. They then told me they weren't authorized to refund me anything and I had to talk to the Italian freight agent about it, whose name they had refused to give me (!). They had sent me an e-mail telling me only they could speak to the freight agent in Italy.
I went back and told them this was unacceptable and that I had e-mails telling me I owed them $260, that they had told me over the phone they would refund me the $100 and to talk to the freight company in Venice who had apparently agreed to absorb the $100 cost. The response to THAT was to take it up with the store I purchased from, Ducale Vetreria, who had pretty much told me to take a hike and go away in previous e-mails.... No mention of giving me any paperwork and now they won't even reply to my e-mails.
Bottom line???? I feel absolutely ripped off. First, by the store I purchased from for not even mentioning these enormous fees when they made the sale and promised easy, free shipping, and for turning their back on me when I protested at the fees.
I feel completely taken advantage of by Airworthy Customs Brokers, and particularly Michael Ciofalo, who told me a different story every time I talked to him on the phone or e-mailed him, and who is now pretty much making it clear that I will never see the $100 refund he promised me....
What has happened here must surely be illegal. It is nothing more than extortion to demand money like this to release a shipment and them to refuse to follow through on your promises of repayment. I have no idea where my money went. I have no paperwork, no proof of payment to customs, no proof of where my money went, no nothing.
I will NEVER buy from Ducale Vetreria again and urge anyone who goes to Murano to think long and hard about shipping anything home because of what has happened to me. I never chose to do business with Airworthy Customs Brokers and suspect they are part of the whole scam to bilk people out of as much money as they can, in exchange for releasing their property to them.
As of September 2009, this is ongoing. I now realize I will never see my $100. I felt absolutely violated by the first demand for $360 and now feel like I have been taken for a ride all over again.
Buyer beware. Do not buy from Ducale Vetreria and do not ship anything home unless you fully understand the financial implications of doing so. If anyone has any advice on how to proceed with Airworthy, I'd like to hear it. Meanwhile, do not allow yourself to be ripped off as I have been.
Written September 23, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hi wondering is there any tours that take in both glass and laces making that last a full day
Written October 1, 2017
Hi guys
First time to travelling Europe.
Can you let me know the tour company you booked the glass factory tour ?
There is so many mix reviews I don't know what to choose and I gathered from the reviews that the glass demonstrations only happens when you join a tour .
Thanks
Ishara
Written July 17, 2016
Hi guys
First time to travelling Europe.
Can you let me know the tour company you booked the glass factory tour ?
There is so many mix reviews I don't know what to choose and I gathered from the reviews that the glass demonstrations only happens when you join a tour .
Thanks
Ishara
Written July 17, 2016
Went on a shore excursion. Why don't you contact the stores directly with your question. I am sure they would do anything to get you into the store.
Written July 17, 2016
We were there in May of 2015, visited a little glass shop that was owned by a husband and wife, he was blowing glass right in the little shop. Its not to far off the square. Any idea the name of the shop? Thanks
Written December 8, 2015
We have visited two shops. Both were larger and more touristical.
Written December 10, 2015
No disrespect but can you just take a water taxi over to Murano without taking a tour - I like to walk about on my own - want to see the glass blowing, visit a shop but don't really need the whole tour thing.
Written October 30, 2015
Yes. I recommend doing that and catching a ride fairly early in the day if you want to enjoy not only browsing the shops, but a leisurely lunch, and perhaps to watch some of the glass blowing or mosaic creation. It does not have to be a private taxi. I have used the "taxi" term rather loosely to include all the regularly scheduled water boats.
Written November 3, 2015

Theresa B
Vancouver, Canada
23 contributions
Not sure but you certainly cannot miss it so I wouldn't worry about having rhe exact address if that is why you are asking
Written November 1, 2015
Several years ago our group took a tour of this business and part of it was a glassblowing demonstration followed by entrance into their showroom (where we bought many items)!
In a couple of months, my husband and I are spending a day/night in Venice before our sea cruise. I would like him to see this store but DO NOT want to go on a time consuming tour of Murano and Burano but just visit the store in central Venice.
Is this even a possibility??
Written August 26, 2015

Theresa B
Vancouver, Canada
23 contributions
From what we saw when we were there they 'coral' everyone into the demonstration first before allowing them into the store. I believe it is this way to control crowds so that only so many people are in the store at the same time.
However when we were there we were seriously interwsted in purchasing a large expensive original piece so we made our request known and we were taken privately upstairs to the factory's art and museum buyers area. Wow it was a real experience!
A private experiwnce where we were left at peace to take our time and explore and there were thousands of unique pieces. Each artist had an area and a book with their works of art in it and you could buy or order any of their pieces. So, you may want to try this approach ro avoid the show.
The glass pieces on the first floor are the tacky tourist items and although nice they are not like the real Murano Glass pieces that are serious pieces for collectors and museums. The prices of the museum quality pieces are of course not cheap either.
Hope this helps
Written November 1, 2015
What options do you get to reach Murano Island?? How much do they cost??
Written August 25, 2015
When visiting Venice, we bought a 4 day pass for all public transport, the water buses take you to Murano for the glass and Burano for the lace. This is the cheapest way to explore Venice, I suggest you buy a ticket for the amount of days and not per journey, that works out very expensive
Written August 26, 2015
Which vaparetto stop on Moreno island do you get off at for the glass shops"
Written June 9, 2015

Theresa B
Vancouver, Canada
23 contributions
Cannot remember I think it was the 7 but you can ask foe the most direct vaporetto at the ticket booth and they will tell you so as to avoid the 'milk run'
Written November 1, 2015
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