Burano, Italy

Burano is one of the Northern Islands of Venice known for its brightly colored houses. Local tradition says that the bright colors used to enable each fisherman to identify his house from the sea but now it's just for the pleasant effect. Burano is so obviously a living community with grandparents, children, and dogs all calling out and barking at each other across the campo (square).

Reflections on Burano

We were on this charming island on a bright sunny day which was dazzling, but Peter and I wished it was a foggy day - the kind in which bright colors stand out so beautifully - but the sun didn't deter us from snapping left and right all of the new colorful sights. As we left the group and walked east, the crowds thinned and we could appreciate what a special island this is.

Burano Church Tower

Neighbors carry on conversations between houses, a friend was called away from his newspaper to help reach something caught on a line, and the familiar scales of a piano lesson resounded off the walls of the nearby church tower, which was leaning and looming over the neighborhood.

Open Doorway in Burano

Doors and windows were all open to the cobblestone walkways, and I found it particularly entertaining in this exceptionally colorful environment to have caught a glimpse of two young women chatting in an all-white kitchen - white floor and ceiling, white cabinets and counters, and white appliances. 

A Bright Happy House on Burano

Over loaded with color our group slowly found its way to a large square and collected a group of tables together to enjoy the afternoon sun and some local wine. An hour later we were back on the Vaporetto taking us back to Piazza San Marco via Murano. The trip took an hour but the warm breeze off the water relaxed us all as we took in the setting sun across the lagoon's waters.

Leaving Burano

Comments

[Ronald Miller]

The thought of coloring their houses in order for fishermen to still view their houses from afar is touching. Some people would just color their houses decorative purposes but, in this locality, colors actually have a significant meaning. I love it! Look at those colorful windows and doors coming together with the whole house. Classic! I might find time to visit there sometime. This is the perfect place to go if you want to have a simple yet enjoyable life.

Ronald Miller

[Victoria Magliaro]

The Island where the rainbow fell!

[Claudia]

Carl, We made it! When Peter and I were standing on the balcony last evening at dusk, sipping the complementary glass of champagne (with a strawberry) overlooking the Mediterranean gazing at THE postcard view of Positano, I said, "Carl, we made it!" This is wonderful.

[carl]

Love the stories, got my mother reading your blog, she loved the stories and pictures as well.........she went as far back to reading some recipes.....gives her something fun to do as she recovers from pneumonia.........miss you very much........can't wait for you to go to you one of my favorite places, wish I were there sipping lemoncello with you and Peter

[Ally]

Oh, just beautiful. I love the water reflections.
Do you really believe the house coulours would have looked more dramatic in grey weather? The colours are so lovely in the sun.
And sun is so much more mood elevating.
A beautiful posting. Thank you

[Sally]

Love the colors!!!!!!!!! The bright happy house is my favorite in this grouping.

[Debra Cobb]

Love these shots of Burano with the colors. Hang on to these--might come in handy for a book sometime!