Gondola TOUR
The perfect
classic adventure from Venice
Despite its slenderness, the gondola weighs over 600 kg and is 11 meters long, but its features make it a boat that can be driven by one person. The gondola is controlled by one to four gondoliers, standing straight and leaning with one oar on a paddle lock called "forcola", which acts as a lever during operation. The gondola's most unique feature is that it is asymmetrical, tilting slightly to the right and moving diagonally to make it easier to steer with a single oar. Maneuvers require great skill and balance from the gondolier; characteristic bells, which have become a symbol of Venice, are used to warn when turning in the narrow places of the canals.
One of the features of the gondola is the “pettine” or “ferro di prua” comb: in addition to making the bow heavier by balancing the weight of the gondolier at the stern, it helps the guide by indicating the direction in which the gondola is moving. Its special shape symbolizes the elements and places characteristic of Venice: the Doge's hat (cappello del Doge), the Rialto Bridge (ponte di Rialto), the Giudecca (la Giudecca), the six sisters of Venice (sei sestieri di Venezia), the Grand Canal (il Canal Grande ) and three islands - Murano, Burano and Torcello. In addition to carrying hundreds of tourists daily and serving as a backdrop for romantic declarations of love, the gondola is also used in Venetian sports and events.