Who invented gondolas?

The actual origin of the gondola is shrouded in mystery. Italy, Turkey, Greece and Malta all claim that the gondola originated in their land. Historians trace early whispers back to 1094, when Vitale Faliero, the Doge (ruler) of Venice, mentioned a Gondolum in a letter to the people.



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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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The Gondoliers were dressed mostly in black to match the color of the Gondola. Some wore all white. After World War 2, The stripes became a part of the uniform. Some say they were to match the striped poles in front of the Palazzo's on the Grand Canal.

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The ornament on the front of the boat is called the fèrro (meaning iron) and can be made from brass, stainless steel, or aluminium. It serves as decoration and as counterweight for the gondolier standing near the stern. Gondolas at their moorings 5-toothed fero on old gondolas.

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Traghettos are cheaper and used by the locals so less touristy. They look very similar to Gondolas but they have a more businesslike purpose. There are seven traghetti stops on the Grand Canal which you can take to go from one side to the other.

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Gondola drivers — called gondoliers — power the boats by hand. They row the boats along the canals using long oars. Gondolas were once the main mode of transportation in Venice. Today, they are mainly used by tourists.

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