Discovering the Charm of Burano and the Art of Lace at Campanil Lab

Nestled in the Venetian lagoon, Burano is a vibrant island known for its brightly colored houses, exquisite Burano lace, and delicious butter and yolk cookies shaped like an "S" or "Bussola." This picturesque locale offers a unique blend of culture, artistry, and culinary delights that enchant every visitor. One of the most fascinating aspects of Burano is the legend behind its colorful houses, which can be attributed to three intriguing reasons. The first suggests that fishermen, facing the persistent fog of the lagoon, painted their homes in bright hues to easily distinguish them in the dense mist known as "caigo." It's not inconceivable that the poor visibility was also exacerbated by too many "ombrette," or wine glasses, consumed during their long days at sea. The second explanation revolves around the desire of families to identify themselves by color, ensuring that each household was easily recognizable. Lastly, a more captivating tale posits that while fishermen were at sea, the women of the island took charge of repainting and maintaining the houses. Each woman added her personal colorful touch, creating a visually stunning community. A must-visit while on the island is the Museo del Merletto, where visitors can marvel at the intricate process of lace-making as elderly artisans demonstrate their craftsmanship. Burano is renowned for its many types of lace, but the original style is a product of countless hours of meticulous work by the few lace-makers still actively preserving this art. In the past it was used to hem the most important objects, such as wedding sheets and sacred tablecloths. This is an enchanting technique to be discovered by observing the hands of the women, who make the thread and needle dance to make many different stitches, such as “ghipur,” “sbari con rosette e vovetti,” “rosette,” “rete con picò,” “rilievo,” “smerlatura,” “grossi,” and “punto k con picò.” Some things need time to be done well, and traditional Burano lace teaches this. Among the few artisan lace workshops in Burano, Campanil Lab stands out as a third-generation family business located at the foot of the iconic leaning bell tower. Impossible to miss, the workshop is framed by a beautiful wisteria that, when in bloom, fills the air with its sweet fragrance. Here, products are lovingly created and packaged by three generations of artisans, including the grandmother trained in the historic Burano embroidery school. With one eye on the past and the other on the future, Campanil Lab reinterprets traditional collections to create new works of art, offering a diverse range of embroidered and lace products for their customers. Sometimes, it is also possible to see century-old lace crafts, looked after with care and love by the Zane family. It is a private collection and most of them are of priceless value. The island’s lace-making tradition passed down through families, once taught formally in the now-museum Lace School of Burano, reflects the enduring legacy of skill and artistry. Burano lace is one of the most labor-intensive crafts, using only a needle and cotton thread to create intricate designs. This ancient technique allows for the creation of custom pieces, from home linens (tablecloths, sheets, towels) to intimate apparel, not to mention wedding and ceremonial dresses, accessories, and anything your heart desires. Visiting Burano and Campanil Lab offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of handmade lace. Whether you are exploring the vibrant streets or admiring the delicate artistry of lacework, Burano promises an unforgettable experience.