Burano – an archipelago of four islands linked by bridges – is a city in northern Italy famous for its flamboyantly coloured homes. It is situated 7 kilometres from Venice, a 40-minute trip by motorboats. Burano has the distinction of being amongst the top most colourful cities in the world.
These colours follow a specific system originating from the golden age of its development. If someone wishes to paint their home, one must send a request to the government, who will respond by making notice of the certain colours permitted for that lot.
Burano’s brightly painted homes represent every colour of the rainbow. Legend has it that the inhabitants began painting their homes in luminous colours so that the fishermen could see them even in the thick fog and avoid crashing into the shore after a voyage at sea.
The windows are decorated with multicoloured flower pots and drying laundry. And almost every house has a children’s bicycle parked outside adding to its persona.
Apart from vividly coloured homes, lacemaking is the main craftsmanship attraction here. Known as “Burano Lace” these are embroidery done by local old ladies with the help of a special small pillow. You can also find lume glass work here.
Though it’s a canal city like Venice, Burano retains its own distinctive character. The Green water of the canals looks like an abstract painting due to the refection of the high-contrast coloured homes.
If you want to witness an everlasting rainbow a walk into the lanes of Burano is must!
Text And Photos By Vidyavati Chandan
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