Venice, as an ancient city, continues to embrace its history through all of its activities including its transportation. Throughout the centuries, Venice has refused to let go of its notable gondolas and today, they are a sight to behold on every canal. Gondolas are considered a symbol of Venice and are the best way of avoiding the chaos of tourists on the pavements. They also give you an opportunity to go where no other transport can reach (including your feet) by travelling through the smaller canals which are only accessible by gondolas or other very small boats. Whether you’re with your partner, family members or friends, a gondola ride in Venice is an absolute must, if you can afford it.
An introduction to these small boats
The word, “gondola” is believed to have originated from the Greek word, “kondoura”, which means “small boat”. Centuries ago, they were considered to be a luxury car that would take the wealthy and noble from one place to another. They were at their peak popularity from the 16th century to the 18th century during which there were around 10,000 gondolas. Today, there are between 450–500 gondolas in existence. The gondolas are so important to Venice that there has been and is law concerning their build, usage and gondolier. For example, in the 16th century a law was passed which required all gondolas to be painted black on the sides.
Gondolas are handmade and 11 metres (36 ft) long and weight between 600 kg to 700 kg (1,322.77 lbs to 1,543.24 lbs); they are composed of 280 components and are made from eight types of wood. The different types of wood used to create them are as follows: oak, elm, lime, larch, fir, cherry, walnut and mahogany. They have distinctive accessories including an ornate shiny metal trim at the front, which is called a “ferro”. The ferro has a curved top piece and underneath it, it has six bars which represent the six districts of Venice. On the side of the gondola, there is a “forcalo” which is a carved piece of wood, which holds the oar and helps the gondolier when he is rowing. The forcola allows the gondolier to make specific manoeuvres such as rowing slowly forward, turning, rowing backwards and stopping etc.
The gondola workshops
Gondolas are so important to Venice and their upkeep is pivotal to maintaining their historical importance. There are a few gondola workshops, known as “squeri”, which are located across the city. In the past, the squeri used to be located on the Grand Canal to show how important gondolas are to the history and economy of Venice. Today, there are only two squeri in central locations (but not overlooking the Grand Canal) and one of those is Squero di San Travas. From the outside of this squeri, you can see gondolas being manufactured and repaired. Occasionally, gondolas need a new coat of varnish to protect them against lagoon-dwelling creatures that eat into its wood. It is believed that gondolas last for a maximum of 25 years (during which ongoing maintenance and refurbishment is required).
Gondola stands and prices
You can either pre-book a gondola ride using a credible operator like Viator or you can purchase a gondola experience at one of their many stands in Venice. Whether you pre-book or book on the date you wish to experience it, you need to check exactly what is included and for how much. This is because you may find that you have to share a gondola experience with others, there may or may not be a musician and/or singer present at the same time, the route taken may not be of your liking, etc. If you want to travel off the beaten path and not on the Grand Canal, then we recommend walking away from the San Marco area and seeking a gondola stand which is further out.
The standard and official rate for a gondola ride for two people on their own for 40 minutes is currently starting at 80 EUR (94 USD). The fare increases at night, so if you want to a ride under the stars, be prepared to pay extra. If you can splash out, we recommend taking a gondola ride on your own so that you can guarantee the two best seats (facing forward) in the gondola. If the expense of a gondola ride is too steep, we suggest joining a gondola experience through Viator where you will enjoy a gondola ride with four other persons. The cost varies (contingent on whether you would like to be serenaded) but tends to be cheaper than a gondola experience on your own.
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Becoming a highly respected gondolier
Being appointed as a gondolier in Venice is a special honour and is an opportunity given to those who have followed in their family’s footsteps (i.e. their fathers were gondoliers). In order to become a gondolier, it takes over 400 hours of training in order to master the manoeuvres and to be able to successfully navigate in different weather conditions. Gondoliers also have to pass a challenging exam on Venetian history, landmarks and have fluency in two languages. Once the exam has been passed, a gondolier is granted a license and can offer their services to the public. Gondoliers must wear specific uniforms during the warm and colder seasons. There is a gondolier uniform shop next to the Rialto Bridge.
The alternative of a traghetto
It is a real privilege to be a gondolier and it is one of the most respected jobs amongst Venetians. A great deal of skill and strength is required by a gondolier (including and especially when they have to put their foot against the wall of a building in order to push the gondola in the right direction during a tight turn). Whilst the cost of the gondola experience is high, it should be noted that living costs in Venice are exorbitant for locals and the prices for gondola experiences do not necessarily create or give a luxurious or comfortable life for gondoliers. If you feel that the cost, however, is something that you cannot manage at all, we would suggest that you take the traghetto, which is an empty gondola that transports approximately 12 people (standing) from one side of the Grand Canal to the other. The traghetto only costs 2 EUR (2 USD).
History
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