Burano - a colourful place on the map of Europe

Did you know that any of the inhabitants of Burano must have known the lyrics to the song "Come paint my world" ? Why do you think so? Burano is an extremely colourful place that impresses with its variety of colours. Shades of intense pink, red, yellow, green, violet and blue are the colours of this place. So if you lack colour in your life - be sure to visit this place.  

Burano is located in the northern part of the Venetian Lagoon, about 7 kilometres from Venice. Therefore, this picturesque island can easily be reached by water tram from Venice. It is the ideal place for those who like to get lost occasionally and stroll through narrow streets full of colour. Rest assured - anyone who gets lost will certainly find their way back. The island is so small that it only takes twenty minutes to go around it. Its surface area is only 0.21 km².

Why so much colour in Burano?

Typical of the Venetian Lagoon is fog. That's why the inhabitants of a fishing village like Burano had to find a way to function well at times - when the world looks all around as if milk has spilled. Therefore, the residents came up with the idea that painting their houses in intense colours would help them. The coloured facades of the houses were to make the island more visible from the sea, and the fishermen could easily return to their families. Therefore, today the island is extremely picturesque and the houses are still repainted in intense colours.

Did you know that.

That the owner of a house on the island of Burano cannot choose its colour himself? The colour of the façade is decided by the island authorities. They are the ones who give permission for the work and approve the colour. In this way, the authorities control that the colours of the houses in the immediate vicinity are not repeated.

If you're wondering why the colours are still vibrant on the island of Burano - we've already answered. Property owners are obliged to take care of the properties. Which means regularly renewing the facades. This is why the facades of the houses are still so colourful and the place still looks like a fairy tale.

Colours aren't everything, the island has another face too

If you think this place couldn't be more charming - we're already leading you astray. Burano is also known for its beautiful lace. Where did this tradition come from? There is a legend about a fisherman who did not succumb to the mermaid's charms because his love for his fiancée was so genuine and sincere. As a reward, the mermaid gave the fisherman a veil that was woven from sea foam. It was so beautiful that it inspired the women of Burano to create equally intricate lace.

There is also a less glamorous history associated with lace-making on the island. Women engaged in lace-making when the men went on long fishing trips. Whatever the version, the lace made by the women of Burano was already known in the 15th century. They delighted then and still delight today.

Places to see in Burano

Walking among the narrow, colourful streets, it is also possible to visit places that are particularly memorable. We are talking about:

• Rio Pontinello -the main, longest and most winding canal of the island of Burano. There are four bridges over this canal - including bridges at the beginning and end of the canal. In the middle section of the Rio Pontinello there are many restaurants and trattorias that offer tables outside.
• Corte della Comare -street, on which there is a row of identical houses that are lined up in an even row. As you would expect - each one is a different colour.
• Tri Ponti - the most famous bridge of the island of Burano, where you can enjoy the view across the canals and the picturesque colourful houses.
• Bepi's House - the most colourful house on the island. Also known as the confectioners' house. In addition to the colours, it is also decorated with geometric figures.