Venice gondolas and gondoliers | Where history meets craftmanship

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.

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.

At present, there are roughly 400+ gondolas plying on Venice's canals.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.