How much do gondoliers get paid in Italy?

How much can a gondola driver expect to earn? This is one of the most highly-regarded and sought-after professions in Italy. Its training may be rigorous, but it's certainly worth it - a Venetian gondolier can expect to earn around $150,000 each year.



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How much can a gondola driver expect to earn? This is one of the most highly-regarded and sought-after professions in Italy. Its training may be rigorous, but it's certainly worth it - a Venetian gondolier can expect to earn around $150,000 each year.

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In the old days, four gondoliers typically shared ownership of a single gondola, with three oarsmen to row the boat and an additional person on a dock who helped bring it ashore again. But modern gondolas and gondoliers are strictly controlled by a guild that oversees the boats' production, maintenance, and licensing.

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It's not easy to become a gondolier Prospective gondoliers must complete 400 hours of training before passing a test to prove their knowledge of how to operate a gondola, Venetian landmarks and history, and language skills. Little wonder that only three or four gondolier licences are issued each year.

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They're always painted black (six coats) — the result of a 17th-century law a doge enacted to eliminate competition between nobles for the fanciest rig. But each has unique upholstery, trim, and detailing, such as the squiggly-shaped, carved-wood oarlock (fórcula) and metal hood ornament (ferro).

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While tipping is not required, a 5% tip is appreciated if your gondolier is helpful and informative about local attractions and monuments.

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Giorgia Boscolo! It was her! For over 900 years, only men could hold the gondolier position. Then in 2010, Giorgia Boscolo became the first gondoliera in Venetian history.

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The answer is: electric motors. Due to the limited space available, the gondolas are fitted with small motors. They're used primarily to help launch the boats. Once they're moving, they are, actually, partly propelled by the gondoliers using their paddles, but they're powered mainly by the motor.

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In the old days, four gondoliers typically shared ownership of a single gondola, with three oarsmen to row the boat and an additional person on a dock who helped bring it ashore again. But modern gondolas and gondoliers are strictly controlled by a guild that oversees the boats' production, maintenance, and licensing.

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Gondoliers must wear a standard uniform consisting of a shirt in either blue or red stripes. “It used to be that those on the right side of the Grand Canal wore blue and white, and the other side wore red and white, but now we can choose the color we want,” Alberto said.

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Yes. Your credit card details aren't introduced until the very last step of the booking process, at which point you'll be redirected to a completely secure bank server where you carry out your payment.

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Good to know: Unless you pre-book a gondola tour, you'll have to pay cash for your gondola ride. So make sure you have enough money on you. Private Venice gondola tours that you can pre-book online are usually more expensive than the official rates.

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Can You Drink In Gondolas In Venice? Yes, you can bring a bottle of wine into the gondola. In Venice, you are allowed to have your drink while on the streets. However, Venetians do it mainly during big events such as the Carnevale.

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7. It's not easy to become a gondolier. Prospective gondoliers must complete 400 hours of training before passing a test to prove their knowledge of how to operate a gondola, Venetian landmarks and history, and language skills. Little wonder that only three or four gondolier licences are issued each year.

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The gondoliers do not sing. To protect the income of professional singers and song writers, if a gondolier sings, he can be fined €1000. Also, there are 480 gondolas in Venice and most of the rowers are the sons of their gondolier fathers. A license can cost € 120,000, so they inherit their fathers' license.

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