European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - December 23, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Island s past and present weaved with Art of lace making source Fodore a Italy the Bell Tower of Burano s 16th Century Cathedra of san Martino has a definite tilt. By j. King a Tuger it norther it Italy Bureau to see what Venice might be like if it had not dominated the seas take a trip to Burano its poor Cousin in the Lagoon. A a Burano like its twin Island Murano Felt a Brief thump of Iory heart and then both vegetated while rival Venice grasped unimaginable riches. Both Murano and Burano were dedicated to the practice of a single Art and that contributed to their decline from the furnaces and Glass blowers of Murano came fragile masterpieces that graced every great House in Europe during the Renaissance. ,. In the 16th Century Burano produced the finest lace in Europe. Such was its Fame that Spain s King Philip if ordered Mary Tudor s bridal Trousseau from Burano. Burano s lace Industry peaked in the 18th Century but not before it gave birth to the form known As venetian Point. Murano and Burano both saw their suns set when they became too dependent on the mercantile machine that was Venice and left their ambitions behind while filling subservient roles in the venetian Republic. These Days Liny Burano seems to doze much of the time coming fully awake Only when tourists disembark every hour or so. Although lace making died out for a time on Burano while lace centers such As Bruges in Belgium and Chantilly in France came to the fore the Burano school of lace was founded in 1672 to restore the Craft. The revival is said to have been based solely on the knowledge of one old woman. All organized Tours to the isl and Call at the Congo Rob Quot Dei Merietta lace school to see its museum and the second floor lace makers nearly All of them Young girls. The school is open from 9 . To 6 . Daily except tuesdays and is located at the heart of the fishing Village at Piazza Baldassare Galuppi. Hand embroidered or handmade lace items can be purchased at the Schoof. If you give the school a pass Don t worry about not being Able to buy lace elsewhere for it seems that every other shop carries it. Those in the know about such things say that prices for lace items Are quite reasonable. They also claim that the bulk of the cheaper lace hails from another Island a faraway Hong Kong. Burano has no single Stellar tourist Magnet. The closest a candidate is one important work of Art Giovanni Battista Tiep Foj a painting of the crucifixion. The poorly lit painting done around 1725, is housed in the 16th-Century Cathedral of san Martino Don t bother to ask directions to the Church but simply scan the sky for its perilously Tilting Bell  is practically a Stone s throw from the Island of torcello and Little More than a 30-minute ferry ride from Venice but it is far removed in spirit from the grandeur of Venice that s what makes it special. Squeaky clean and car free Burano the prettiest Island in the vast venetian Lagoon looks As if to has been painted by a Painter with a raging palette. The brilliantly hued fishing boats and the tiny Stone houses of the fishermen compete with their vibrant colors of Robins egg or Cobalt Blue barn red or seasick Green these and the Island s miniature canals and Bridges plus the. Lagoons extraordinary Light draw Amateur painters from All Over Europe. In truth there in t much to see and do on Burano and neighbouring joined by a Bridge Maz Zorbo except to stroll delightedly and perhaps to Dine at one of its Fine fish restaurants. The two Burano restaurants most highly recommended Are the enormous Trattoria de Romano closed tuesday anti the family run Staria Ai Pescatori. Expect to spend about $35 per person for a full meal. Burano and neighbouring Torrelio make for a Fine inexpensive Day s Outing. If you Are Lucky you will get to visit on a crystalline Day when you can see As far As the Distant Snow capped dolomites. 4 stripes Magazine december 23, 1993