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Venice gondolas and gondoliers | Where history meets craftmanship
Cruises and Gondola Rides in VeniceGondola and gondoliers
Construction
Materials used
- Gondolas are made out of over 280 pieces of different kinds of woods, including oak, fir, cherry, larch, walnut, lime, mahogany and elm. They are made in Venetian squeri, or workshops exclusively dedicated to making gondolas.
- The construction involves intricate techniques like carving, bending and assembling the different wooden components without using nails or screws.
- It takes about 400 hours of manpower, which means a single gondola can be completed in 2-3 months.
Parts of a gondola
These are the noteworthy elements in a gondola:
- Fèrro: This is the ornamental iron prow at the front of the gondola, often featuring a decorative design like a seahorse or mythological creature. The gondolier stands exactly opposite at the stern.
- Remo: The single oar used to propel the gondola. It's long, asymmetrical and requires a specific rowing technique for efficient navigation.
- Forcola: The wooden oarlock where the oar rests, positioned at the stern on the right side. Its intricate design allows for precise control over the gondola's direction. The forcola is made to suit the height and requirements of the gondolier, so each piece is unique.
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Gondola history
Timeline
- 11th century: The then Doge, Vital Faliero, promised gondolas to the wealthy members of Venice's elite.
- 15th century: Earliest visible depictions of the gondola in paintings by the artists Carpaccio and Bellini.
- 16th and 17th centuries: Increase in the number of gondolas populating Venice's canals, and gondolas now became commonplace. Around this time, they were also used for military purposes in battles against the Ottoman empire, Spain and nearby regions.
- 19th and 20th centuries: Remodeling of the gondola. As motorized boats became more common in the 20th century, the use of gondolas for transportation declined, and they transformed into a tourist attraction.
- Present day: Today, gondola rides remain a cherished and romantic experience, offering visitors a glimpse into Venice's rich history and captivating beauty.
What does it take to become a gondolier in Venice?
It's easy to think that being a gondolier just involves standing on the gondola and rowing, but the reality is more complex. One has to undergo over 400 hours of training in six months. The training involves:
- Learning foreign languages
- Studying Venetian history and culture
- An apprenticeship
- Practical skills involving canal navigation and swimming
They must pass rigorous exams to clear these subjects and then acquire the license. They then become substitute gondoliers to operate the traghetti. Finally, they become licensed members of a 1000-year old guild. Each license is allotted to one location, so gondoliers rarely move away from their designated location.
Frequently asked questions about gondolas and gondoliers
What is the meaning of the word 'gondola'?
While the exact meaning is unknown, it is believed that the earliest prototype of the gondola was seen on a Church mosaic in Ravenna in the 6th century, depicting two apostles aboard a crescent-shaped boat called a cymbula. It is likely that the present-day term evolved from this.
How are gondolas steered?
Gondolas are an engineering marvel as they can navigate through the maze of canals despite being asymmetrical. The steering of a gondola is determined by the gondolier's skill and the movement of the oar against the forcola (or oarlock). The tension exerted by the gondolier on the oar helps to propel the gondola forward, backward, make it stop, etc.
How many gondolas are there in Venice?
At present, there are roughly 400+ gondolas plying on Venice's canals.
Is the gondola open-topped or does it have a cover?
Modern gondolas are open and exposed. Gondolas in the 17th and 18th centuries had a cabin known as the felze, which offered privacy and protection from the vagaries of the weather. But in the 19th century, these coverings were outlawed.
Are gondolas the only Venice boats seen in the city?
While gondolas are commonly found on Venice's canals, there are also other boats to look out for like the pupparin, the sàndolo, the Caorlina and more. These boats, however, are commonly sighted during boat races like the Regata Storica, one of the most famous boating events in Venice.
What is the seating capacity of a gondola?
A gondola ride can accommodate up to 5 people plus the gondolier. Nowadays, you can even book private rides for you and your loved ones for a more intimate experience — even if this means the gondola hasn't reached maximum capacity.
Where did the gondola first originate?
Although there are disputes between Italy, Malta and Greece about the origins of the gondola, it is synonymous with Venice and first made an appearance in the 11th century. The then Doge (or supreme leader of Venice) Vitale Faliero offered to give gondolas to the elite ruling class of Venice.
How have gondolas survived the rise of modern transportation in Venice?
Despite the presence of motorboats and vaporetto (public water buses), gondolas have survived due to their cultural significance and association with the Venetian identity. Tourism plays a significant role in their continued existence, as gondolas offer a unique and authentic experience for visitors, keeping the tradition alive.
What are some lesser known historical facts about the Venetian gondola?
Originally, gondolas were painted in vibrant colors, with each family displaying their own emblem. Black paint became mandatory in the 16th century to curb excessive displays of wealth and promote social equality among gondoliers. Another interesting fact is that the standing position of gondoliers is not just for show. It allows for better weight distribution and leverage for efficient maneuverability in the narrow canals.
Is it difficut to become a gondolier?
Becoming a gondolier involves training for over 6 months and putting in over 400 hours of effort. The course demands learning foreign languages, being fluent with Venetian history and culture, knowledge of rowing while standing up and swimming among other skills. To answer the question, yes, it takes hard work and dedication to become a gondolier!
What is the institution that governs the gondoliers' profession?
The Scuola dei Gondolieri, or the Gondoliers' Guild, is the institution that lays down the procedures for gondoliering. It contains codes and conducts on licensing, the trade and craft, etc.
Is being a gondolier a question of inheritance?
Usually, sons take after their gondolier fathers and practise this craft in their footsteps. However, becoming a gondolier this way is not mandatory, and many gondoliers join the guild independently.
