Get on a gondola and cross the marvelous Grand Canal: admire Venice and its fascinating palaces
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1
The gondola is painted black by law
Since a 16th-century sumptuary law, all gondolas must be painted black to prevent wealthy families from competing with one another in lavish decoration. The regulation still holds today!
2
Each gondola is custom-made to the gondolier
The construction is tailored to the gondolier’s height, weight, and rowing style, helping to maintain the delicate balance and control of the boat on the water.
3
They’re surprisingly long — and flat
A gondola measures about 11 meters (36 feet) in length and is extremely flat-bottomed, making it ideal for navigating the shallow and narrow Venetian canals.
1
The gondola is painted black by law
Since a 16th-century sumptuary law, all gondolas must be painted black to prevent wealthy families from competing with one another in lavish decoration. The regulation still holds today!
2
Each gondola is custom-made to the gondolier
The construction is tailored to the gondolier’s height, weight, and rowing style, helping to maintain the delicate balance and control of the boat on the water.
3
They’re surprisingly long — and flat
A gondola measures about 11 meters (36 feet) in length and is extremely flat-bottomed, making it ideal for navigating the shallow and narrow Venetian canals.
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