In Venice's narrow canals, a voice often suddenly breaks the silence: "Oé!" It is neither a greeting nor a call to passers-by. It is one of the signals gondoliers still use today to communicate while guiding their gondolas through the city's waterways. A simple language, passed down through generations, that remains part of everyday Venetian life.

When a canal bends around a corner or passes beneath a bridge that blocks the view, the gondolier calls out "Oé!" to announce his presence. The approaching boat answers with the same call, allowing both to prepare for a safe crossing. It is a simple but essential practice in a city where waterways take the place of streets.

If a little more coordination is needed, other traditional Venetian calls come into play. "Oé pope!", "Oé premando!" and "Oé stagando!" help gondoliers communicate how they intend to manoeuvre, making it easier to pass each other in Venice's narrow canals. These brief expressions may sound mysterious to visitors, but for gondoliers they are part of a language refined through centuries of daily practice.



Voice is only one part of this communication. Experienced gondoliers also read each other's movements, the rhythm of the rowing and even subtle gestures. During a gondola ride these calls often go unnoticed, yet they remain one of the most authentic traditions of Venice. If you would like to discover more about the history and craftsmanship of the Venetian gondola, visit the Gondola Gallery in Campo San Gallo, just a short walk from St Mark's Square.