Gondolas: the history of Venice

Venice is a wonderful city, full of itineraries to discover, and with an artistic and cultural history with few comparisons. For those who want to discover the city by seeing it from a completely different perspective, sailing on its canals and passing under its bridges is perhaps the most beautiful way.

To do this, you simply need to rely on a gondola, an ancient means of transport that has now become touristy but which has lost none of its charm. Organizing a gondola ride in Venice is an unmissable experience for anyone visiting the city. This ancient vessel not only offers a unique and romantic way to explore the Venetian canals, but also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the history and culture of Venice.

Navigating the narrow canals and under the historic bridges, you can admire the city's extraordinary architecture from a privileged perspective, far from the hustle and bustle of the crowded streets. Furthermore, the gondoliers , with their knowledge and stories, add a personal and authentic touch to the experience , making it even more special and memorable. A gondola ride is not just a tourist attraction, but a journey into the heart of one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

The history of the Gondola

Let's start with a brief overview: during the 17th and 18th centuries, it is estimated that there were between 8,000 and 10,000 gondolas plying the canals of Venice while today, the number is reduced to around 400 , mainly used to transport tourists visiting the city. Let's find out more about gondolas.

This term appears for the first time in 1094 but its predecessor is presumed to be much older and can be identified with the flat-bottomed Roman scaula This less streamlined and faster boat was suitable for transporting goods and people through the Venetian canals; During the 16th century, with the rise of Venice as a center of world trade and the increase in its population, gondola design began to evolve to better adapt to new needs.

The boat became progressively longer and narrower, with ends partially protruding from the water. In the 19th century, the gondola reached its current size, measuring approximately 36 feet in length and weighing approximately 770 pounds while the distinctive asymmetrical, banana-like shape developed in the early 20th century and has remained unchanged ever since .

Why are Venetian gondolas black?

Before becoming, by law, black, gondolas were an elegant means of transport in Venice and so it was that sumptuous decorations and ornaments became a way to show wealth and social status and many private gondolas were also equipped with a small cabin called "felze ”, which offered protection from the elements and guaranteed privacy: an alcove which over time became the scene of romantic and secret encounters

Given the increasingly excessive pomp, it was established that all gondolas had to be painted black and this tradition still remains today! In this way the gondola was able to take on the classic and austere appearance that fascinates tourists from all over the world even today. Despite the restrictions, modern gondolas remain symbols of elegance. They are often equipped with opulent upholstery and refined ornaments, including the unmistakable "iron" that adorns the bow. This stylized piece of metal serves as a counterweight to the gondolier and represents a visual symbol of Venice.

Discover Venice

Venice is a beautiful city that boasts art and secrets in every district , discovering them all is not possible in a short time and this is why a short rental can give those who visit the city the time and serenity to immerse themselves in its beauty.

To reduce costs it is possible to book an apartment online in a practical and fast way to also benefit from greater privacy and freedom compared to a hotel; we also recommend using the Venezia Card to reduce the cost of visits to museums and much more.

Finally, what can I say? You cannot say you have visited the city if you have not experienced the thrill of a gondola ride, which we always recommend booking in advance to avoid having to wait in endless queues.