Burano, Inhabited island in Venetian Lagoon, Italy
Burano is an inhabited island in the Venetian lagoon, roughly 40 minutes by water bus from the city center. Small canals run through the island, lined with houses in strong blue, pink, yellow and green that reflect in the water.
Residents from the mainland near Altino moved here in the 6th century to protect themselves from attacks. The settlement lived off fishing for centuries until lace making became a second source of income in the 16th century.
The houses carry their bright paint originally to help fishermen find their way home through thick fog. Today you can still find workshops along the lanes where women sit at wooden frames and make fine lace with a needle while visitors watch.
Water bus line 12 leaves from Fondamente Nove and reaches the island in roughly 40 minutes, with departures every 30 minutes. It is best to come early in the morning or late afternoon when fewer visitors are around.
The city administration has set which shades are allowed for each house, and anyone who wants to repaint must submit a request. Most buildings also have a small garden behind the house where residents grow vegetables or hang laundry.
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