Cheerfully painted houses line the canals of this quiet village where lace making rescued a faltering fishing-based economy centuries ago. As you walk the 100 yards from the dock to Piazza Galuppi, the main square, you pass stall after stall of lace vendors. These good-natured ladies won't press you with a hard sell, but don't expect precise product information or great bargains—real handmade Burano lace costs $1,000 to $2,000 for a 10-inch doily.
The Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) lets you marvel at the intricacies of Burano's lace making. It's also a skills center—more sewing circle than school—where on weekdays you'll usually find women carrying on the tradition. They sometimes have authentic pieces for sale privately. Piazza Galuppi 187. 041/730034. EUR 4, Musei Civici museum pass EUR 18. Apr.-Oct., daily 10-5; Nov.-Mar., daily 10-4. Vaporetto: Burano.
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