Beyond the historic centre, the lagoon has many islands that are within easy reach by vaporetto. The island of Torcello, the first island settled in the lagoon, is down to a handful of families but boasts the most exquisite example of Byzantine art in the form of the glittering mosaic of the Blessed Virgin that illuminates the apse of the cathedral, Santa Maria Assunta. Lively Burano is a chocolate box lid of an island, famous for brightly painted houses, fishing and lace-making. Also a must is the island of Murano, renowned for its glass blowing factories. The Museo Vetrario (fondamenta Giustinian 10, 041 739 586) is devoted to the history of glasswork.

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