Why does the gondolier row on only one side? Discover the technical reasons behind the gondola's asymmetrical design and the role of the forcola in Venetian navigation.

When I take friends to Venice for the first time, I'm always struck by their sense of wonder. From a gondola, the city seems to reveal itself at a different pace. Palaces reflect on the water, canals naturally lead from one place to another, and you discover a side of Venice that is difficult to appreciate on foot. I like to imagine that ambassadors of the Venetian Republic felt the same emotion when they first arrived here. Between the 15th and 18th centuries, Venice was one of Europe's great diplomatic capitals, welcoming ambassadors, princes, cardinals and representatives from the continent's most important courts. Their arrival followed a carefully planned ceremony: before any official meeting took place, the city itself greeted its guests from the water. The gondola became Venice's first calling card, a symbol of elegance, order and prestige. For the most important occasions, specially prepared gondolas were used, featuring elegant interiors and gondoliers chosen for their experience and discretion. Many were fitted with the felze, the traditional covered cabin that protected passengers from the weather while ensuring privacy during conversations. In a city where diplomacy played such an important role, even a short journey between two palaces could become part of the official ceremony.  Today's gondolas are simpler, yet they retain the same graceful lines that have made them famous for centuries. Stepping aboard offers the chance to see Venice from the same perspective that once welcomed distinguished visitors from across Europe. It is a unique way to experience the city, following the very routes that once led ambassadors into the heart of the Serenissima.

Discover Venice from the water: a gondola ride under the Rialto Bridge, Sighs Bridge and hidden gems. A unique and authentic perspective of the city

Ancient Venetian prints and paintings reveal a city where gondolas were an essential part of daily life long before becoming a world-famous symbol.

Discover the secrets of Venetian squeri: how a traditional gondola is handcrafted using ancient techniques, varied woods, and perfect asymmetry.

Discover how the gondola became Casanova’s secret refuge in 18th-century Venice. Experience the history and book your romantic gondola tour today!

Discover how the arrival of steam vaporettos sparked protests among Venetian gondoliers. Learn the city's history and book your gondola tour today!

Discover how the gondola evolved from everyday transport to a global icon. Experience Venice from the water and book your traditional tour today!

Discover gondolas in films like James Bond and The Tourist. Book your Venice gondola tour and enjoy a cinematic experience on the canals.

Discover when gondolas were Venice's ambulances. From Casanova’s stories to city history, book your tour for a unique experience on the canals.

Discover the true meaning of the gondola in Venice. From elegant weddings to silent funerals, experience the authentic soul of the city on the water.

Discover the ancient tradition of Grand Canal crossings, the Mariegole rules, and the Gondola Gallery.

Imagine Venice with only one bridge! Discover how 10,000 gondoliers moved the city and how Traghetti still work today. Visit Gondola Gallery by Venice Tours.

Visit the Gondola Gallery in Venice and discover the secrets of the gondola through historical objects, a cross-sectioned gondola and traditional craftsmanship.

Discover the Gondola Gallery in Venice. Enjoy a unique VR experience that lets you travel through centuries of Venetian history and explore the gondola world.

Guide by Caterina Pepoli: learn how to board safely, the role of the ganser and the rules to follow for your perfect Gondola Experience™. Read our tips.

Discover the Felze, the mysterious cover of the Venetian gondola. From romantic encounters to the "Mermaid" bathing boat. A Gondola Gallery VR guide.

Discover the history of gondoliers: from theater critics to noble bodyguards and keepers of scandalous secrets. The ultimate guide by Venice Tours.

Discover the best-kept secrets of the Venetian gondola: from Voga alla Veneta to the mystery of its black color. The ultimate guide by Venice Tours.

What do the 6 teeth on a gondola mean? Discover the secrets of the Prow Iron, the Dolphin, and the Scimier. Visit Gondola Gallery by Venice Tours.

Discover the true effort of steering a 400kg gondola. The hierarchy of the stazio (Bancale, Ganser, Fiosso) and the techniques of Stagando and Premando.

The gondola has always fascinated and inspired artists and writers around the world with its elegance and aura of mystery.

Today, Venice has about 400 gondoliers, guardians of a centuries-old tradition that has fascinated millions of visitors over the years.

You cannot leave Venice without admiring the city from another perspective, without filling your eyes with the sight of palaces overlooking the canals.

Gondolas are unmistakable symbols of Venice, representing not only a unique means of transportation but also a floating work of art.