The island of Murano, located in the Venetian lagoon, offers a historical heritage regarding glass production. Called \u201cAmuranium\u201d in ancient times, it was initially occupied by the local population from Veneto who needed to escape from barbarian invasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, when the Holy Roman Empire fell, what we now see as the Venetian lagoon was only an archipelago of islands and mud. The first population was established in Rivus Altus, which allowed for more protection as it was slightly higher than the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The island of Murano existed since that period, but it became autonomous only around the 12th<\/sup> century. Just in 1275, the island had its chief magistrate, who led the Great Council. Together, they could release laws effective on the island, and a new currency was coined: the Oretta of Murano.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Murano has a geographical structure similar to Venice. The island is divided by one main canal, that connects all other smaller ones, which together form nine small islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today Murano is known also as \u201cthe Isle of Glass\u201d, for its well-known glass-making activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The production of glass started in Venice around 1000, but the furnaces represented a danger of fire. Most buildings were made of wood during that period, so flames and high temperatures represented a real danger. For safety reasons, the Doge ordered to move all of them to the island of Murano in 1291. After this decision, Glass Masters started to work only on the island of Murano. They could not even leave it to avoid the spread of the \u201csecret\u201d knowledge of this renowned profession. Despite this obligation, they were considered like nobles and were given many privileges, among which marrying aristocrats\u2019 daughters.<\/p>\n\n\n