Venice: The Meeting of East and West - The Wise World Traveler: Becoming a Part of All that You Meet - page 94

Figure 6.7. Glassmaker in Murano
For centuries only the glassblowers of the Murano foundries could produce such glass-
ware of the highest quality. They were, in fact, the only artisans in Europe who could make
glass mirrors. They originally worked within the city limits of Venice, but in 1291 the Vene-
tian Republic ordered the foundries to be moved across the lagoon to the Island of Murano
because they posed a fire hazard to the mostly wooden structures of Venice. Although stone
eventually replaced wood as the principal building material in the city, the glassblowers
remained in Murano. Today travelers who spend more than two days in Venice are likely
to take the short boat ride across the water to Murano to watch the artisans at work. But
if one is interested simply in purchasing a Murano glass-inspired gift, the shops of Venice
will suffice.
Equally available throughout the shopping areas of Venice are Carnival masks. One
can buy a simple and relatively inexpensive reproduction, or one can explore higher price
ranges, even posing for a one-of-a-kind individualized mask. In the latter scenario, within
twenty-four hours an ornate mask with one's likeness is delivered to the hotel. Alternat-
ively, one can purchase a mask of high quality, representing a variety of professions. The