Our walk will start in front of the church of San Trovaso, located in the Dorsoduro district, and it will provide an in-depth explanation of the historical background and distinctive characteristics of the Venetian gondola.

We will stop in front of the oldest squero, where the flat-bottomed design of the gondola is still crafted. Here, the master gondola builders, known as squeraioli, continue to preserve and revive these boats using eight different types of wood, thereby demonstrating the continued relevance of traditional techniques in the modern era.

We will reach the Accademia bridge from which we will see the Grand Canal, where the Venetian merchants once lived, and owned multiple gondolas for navigating the city’s intricate waterways. It is estimated that by the end of the 16th century, approximately ten thousand black gondolas were in use in Venice.

A short walk will lead us to the workshop of a forcolaio, who is responsible for the fabrication of rowlocks. This component is crafted in a bespoke manner, with the objective of aligning with the specific requirements of the gondolier.

At the Salute church, participants will board a gondola ferry, colloquially known as a traghetto, to cross the Grand Canal. After our adventure, our tour will conclude in the vicinity of St. Mark’s Square.

Duration: 1,5 hour
Cost: The guided tour costs 160,00 € for small parties and families up to 8 people.
Entrance fees to museums, churches and palaces, terraces are not included and are paid directly by guests on the spot.