Since the 16th century, a sumptuary law established that every gondola had to be painted black, preventing wealthy families from showing off their status with elaborate colors and precious decorations. This tradition has remained unchanged over the centuries and is still respected today.
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A gondola is built to fit its gondolier
Each gondola is handcrafted according to the characteristics of the gondolier who will use it. Every detail of the structure is designed by considering the gondolier’s height, weight, and rowing style, ensuring the perfect balance of the boat, better maneuverability, and precise control through Venice’s canals.
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Gondolas are longer and flatter than they appear
A gondola is on average about 11 meters long and has an almost flat bottom. This feature allows it to move easily through even the narrowest and shallowest canals in Venice, providing stability and smooth navigation.
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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!
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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.
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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.
Experience the magic of Venice with a peculiar small-group gondola ride along the Grand Canal
Glide under small bridges and take in the breathtaking atmosphere of the Grand Canal, the perfect location for live music played by professional musicians and singers
The Gondola Gallery Experience: Discover the secrets of a gondola and relive centuries of Grand Canal history with a 3D journey
Dreamy Gondola ride to enjoy the most romantic bridge of Venice, the Bridge of Sighs
Professional and local guide who will spoil you hidden corners and secrets of Venice
The Gondola Gallery Experience: Discover the secrets of a gondola and relive centuries of Grand Canal history with a 3D journey
3 hours approx. (2-hour shared walking tour of Venice with local and expert guide, 15-minute introductory walking tour to the gondola experience and 30-minute shared gondola ride)
