Gondola in Venice
Gondola in Venice
The quintessential symbol of Venice is definitely the gondola.
Until the advent of motor boats, the gondola was the most commonly used means of transportation for people because of its speed and maneuverability, despite being about 11 meters long and weighing 600 kg. It is currently used as a " ferry" to transport people from one side of the Grand Canal to the other, for ceremonies such as weddings or funerals, and for the classic sightseeing tour, which cannot be missed in the memories of those who choose Venice as their travel destination.
The construction of this very special boat is done in small shipyards called "squeri," (the squero of San Trovaso, in the Zattere area, is one of the last remaining) and requires more than a year of work and 280 different pieces in various types of wood. Pictorial representations from the 15th and 16th centuries propose a different image from the present one. Its shape has been gradually modified and its asymmetry, accentuated over time, is intended to simplify single-oar steering, while the typical comb, or bow iron, serves to keep the boat balanced and represents the sestieri of Venice, the island of Giudecca, the doge's hat and the Grand Canal.
At the rear, on the other hand, are located the "risso," which protects against shocks and is the highest point of the gondola, and, near the gondolier's station, the "forcola," a wooden rowlock typical of boats used for rowing the Venetian way.
The hull of the gondola has a flat bottom, a feature that makes the boat very maneuverable and allows it to penetrate even the shallowest channels.
The traditional black color is due, in the beginning, to the use of pitch as a waterproofing agent for the hull, and since 1609, following a decree of the Venetian Senate, it has been extended to the whole boat to limit the excessive glitz in its decoration.
Because of its compatibility with the environment and quietness, the gondola is a thoroughly modern craft and fits perfectly into the harmony of such a special setting.
A gondola ride in Venice
Currently, the gondola is mostly used for tourist purposes, although there are still gondola-ferries to cross the Grand Canal from one bank to the other. You will find various gondolier stations at strategic points in the city; one of the most photographed and crowded is definitely the Bacino Orseolo in the Sestiere di San Marco.
The city government has set rates for the most popular gondola rides, but if you want to take longer tours, you can arrange your itinerary directly with the gondolier.
Have you booked your stay and want to arrange your gondola ride? Contact our concierge.
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