Through the Venetian canals! Why is a gondola ride essential?

Venice, the city on the water, is a symbol of romance, history, and irresistible Italian culture. It is a city that abounds in recognizable locations such as St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), and many others. However, its most recognizable symbol, which embodies its spirit and elegance, is still the famous gondola.

Gondola, Photo: pyty Depositphotos

The gondola first appeared in Venice in the 11th century, in response to the specific needs of a city built on canals instead of roads. Its construction enabled easy and elegant navigation in the narrow Venetian waters.

Initially, gondolas were colorful and luxuriously decorated, often serving as status symbols for wealthy Venetian families. But in 1609, the Venetian government passed a law prohibiting the excessive decoration of gondolas, to prevent competition among the rich and preserve simplicity. So all the gondolas became black, and the rule is still valid today.

Gondola, Venice Photo: ingus.kruklitis Depositphotos

Each gondola is about 11 meters long and weighs about 600 kilograms. Despite looking symmetrical, the gondola is actually built asymmetrically to compensate for rowing on one side.

On its front part, there is a metal decoration called “ferro”, which not only serves as a counterweight to the gondolier, but also has a symbolic meaning – the six teeth represent the six sestieri, or Venetian districts, while the curved part indicates the Grand Canal.

Gondola, Photo: valmirfernando Depositphotos

One of the fascinating facts is that the gondola is made exclusively by hand, and its creation can take up to a year. The shipbuilders, called “squeraroli“, use eight different types of wood to achieve the perfect balance between elegance and functionality.

Gondola, Venice, Photo: Peter K Burian, CC BY-SA 4.0

WHY TAKE A GONDOLA RIDE?

Experiencing Venice from a gondola is one of those experiences that you simply cannot miss. A leisurely ride along the canals, while the gondolier tells you about the history of the city or sings a serenade, provides an insight into the city that you cannot experience from the mainland. Through the gondola ride, you will feel the magic of Venice in the most authentic way possible.

Therefore, when you find yourself in Venice, be sure to take a gondola ride. It is not just a tourist attraction, but a journey into the heart of a historic city built on water.