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To make glass you need fire - and fire was one thing the Venetians didn't want near their houses, markets and palaces. So in 1291 all foundries were moved onto the islands of Murano.

Glass-making was a well guarded secret of the Republic and a sentence of death would be passed on anyone divulging it to outsiders. But I guess word did eventually leak out as now many shops on the island post signs warning customers of Chinese imitations.

Light, bright, elegant and delicate, Murano chandeliers were introduced in the 1700s and were an immediate hit all over Europe. This one hangs in the Church of San Pietro Martire in Murano.