How Long Have They Been Making Murano Glass?
A. The art of glass making in Venice is present from the beginning of Venetian history. There is proof that Venetians started working glass from the time that they settled in the islands of the lagoon to escape the barbarian invasions. They were able to create precious and unique glass pieces with their able hands, simple instruments and fire. The first artifacts of the 7th century were found in an archeological dig at Torcello, one of the first islands of the Venetian lagoon to be inhabited. The first document, which speaks of glass artisans, is of 982 AD signed by Dominicus Fiolarius. The art of glass making was past down from father to son and then became a trade exclusively for those born on the island of Murano. Factories were moved to Murano from mainland Venice in 1291 as a precaution to minimize the fire hazard. Glass was regarded as an important item of export and the secrets of its making were jealously guarded. A glassmaker, during the Republic, that left the Venetian State
