While I was in Venice, I had some extra time on my hands and so I went and explored some of the lagoon’s neighbouring islands. The receptionist at my hotel suggested me to go to Burano, a small island nearby that is filled with colourful houses. I reached Burano by taking the north-bound vaporetti (aquabus) for about 45 minutes. When I stepped foot on this island, I was quickly overwhelmed by the whimsical charm given off by its small and vibrant buildings.
Colourful Houses
The coloured houses in Burano are ordered in a very particular manner. If one wants to paint their house here, they are required to get approval from the government, who makes their decision based on which colours are aesthetically appropriate for that lot. Sounds crazy, but clearly it works well.
Houses and Laundry
Parked Boats instead of Cars
Although all the buildings on this island are really all quite old, their ages are partially concealed by their bright colours. Not a spot on this island is colourless, making it an artist’s dream.
Cramped Alley
So it turns out that Pisa isn’t the only town that’s got a leaning tower – Burano has one too! The Burano Tower, built in the 1400′s, is on a slant as well. It’s odd positioning is particularly noticeable from afar.
Leaning Tower of Burano
Before leaving Burano, I grabbed lunch at Calle Galuppi, the village’s main street. There are a handful of restaurants and souvenir shops here.
Calle Galuppi
The main specialty souvenir in Burano is lace. There are many small boutiques around the island that sell pieces of lace fabric sewn by locals. Because I loved this island so much, I purchased a lace fan despite my lack of use for it.
Lace Fans
Burano was an excellent relaxing getaway from the busy and crowded island of Venice. It’s not necessary to spend a full day here; a few hours is enough to walk around the island and snap some stunning photos. There’s really no place in Italy that fails to impress, is there?
“Color is my day long obsession, joy and torment.” – Monet
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