- The Gondola and the Gondolier -
Here some curiosities about the most emblematic figures of Venice: the gondolier and his gondola;)
The Gondola
To build a gondola it takes 8 types of wood in 280 pieces that spend more than 500 hours to be properly assembled.
The tip of the gondola has the shape that resembles the hat of the Doge, the first magistrate and all powerful of the Republic of Venice. Made of iron, it helps maintain the balance of the gondola, and also represents the "6 sestieri", that is, the neighborhoods of the city: San Marco, San Polo, Santa Croce, Castello, Dorsoduro and Cannaregio. The other small tip on the opposite side represents the island of Giudeca.
In 1580, around 10,000 gondolas circulated around Venice, since the gondola was the main mean of transport of the population. Today, the 500 gondolas that sail through the city are of exclusive use of tourism.
The Gondolier
Being a gondolier in Venice is a sought-after profession but difficult to achieve. In the past the profession was passed from father to son, but today there is a rigorous preparation to be fulfilled and tests of ability among others.
So the gondolier must be in good health, know how to swim, have a beautiful voice, besides undergoing a training that includes:
- 60 hours of theoretical classes including naval law, knowledge of Venetian arts and history, behavior with tourists, as well as being able to speak English and Spanish.
- 10 hours of hands-on lessons with professional gondoliers.
As you can see from the photos, it should have balance and good physical condition, because the channels are narrow, often full of gondolas. It must be defiance to pass under the little bridges, and the gondolier never, but NEVER must let the gondola touch the walls of the houses.
I watched a documentary on TV about the test, and really leaning against the wall is a an elimination item. I remembered this when I saw the scene from the first picture here, the gondolier leaning his leg against the wall to push away her gondola, so that it would not touch the wall. This maneuver is also used in the curves.
- The Gondola and the Gondolier -
Here some curiosities about the most emblematic figures of Venice: the gondolier and his gondola;)
The Gondola
To build a gondola it takes 8 types of wood in 280 pieces that spend more than 500 hours to be properly assembled.
The tip of the gondola has the shape that resembles the hat of the Doge, the first magistrate and all powerful of the Republic of Venice. Made of iron, it helps maintain the balance of the gondola, and also represents the "6 sestieri", that is, the neighborhoods of the city: San Marco, San Polo, Santa Croce, Castello, Dorsoduro and Cannaregio. The other small tip on the opposite side represents the island of Giudeca.
In 1580, around 10,000 gondolas circulated around Venice, since the gondola was the main mean of transport of the population. Today, the 500 gondolas that sail through the city are of exclusive use of tourism.
The Gondolier
Being a gondolier in Venice is a sought-after profession but difficult to achieve. In the past the profession was passed from father to son, but today there is a rigorous preparation to be fulfilled and tests of ability among others.
So the gondolier must be in good health, know how to swim, have a beautiful voice, besides undergoing a training that includes:
- 60 hours of theoretical classes including naval law, knowledge of Venetian arts and history, behavior with tourists, as well as being able to speak English and Spanish.
- 10 hours of hands-on lessons with professional gondoliers.
As you can see from the photos, it should have balance and good physical condition, because the channels are narrow, often full of gondolas. It must be defiance to pass under the little bridges, and the gondolier never, but NEVER must let the gondola touch the walls of the houses.
I watched a documentary on TV about the test, and really leaning against the wall is a an elimination item. I remembered this when I saw the scene from the first picture here, the gondolier leaning his leg against the wall to push away her gondola, so that it would not touch the wall. This maneuver is also used in the curves.