Since a 16th-century sumptuary law, all gondolas must be painted black to prevent wealthy families from competing with one another in lavish decoration. This regulation is still in force 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.
