When going to Venice, you’ll see loads of travelers drifting past historical buildings along the canals. The sight is incredibly romantic, if a bit touristy. Long before visitors drifted along the canals with cameras in hand, gondolas were the lifeblood of the lagoon, carrying merchants, nobles, and everyday Venetians through a city without roads. To step into a gondola today is not simply to indulge in romance, but to participate in a tradition that shaped how Venice lived, moved, and saw itself. Is it a bit touristy? In my opinion, yes. Is riding in a gondola a “can’t miss” experience? In my opinion, undoubtedly, yes.
Gondolas in Medieval Venice and the Venetian Republic
First mentioned in a letter from Doge Vitale Faliero in 1094, gondolas were once the city’s primary form of transportation. Their evolution — from practical workhorse to carefully regulated craft and, eventually, cultural icon — mirrors the broader history of Venice itself: a city defined by water, commerce, status, and tradition.
In the Middle Ages and through the Renaissance, gondolas were everywhere. In the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, historical sources estimate there were 8,000–10,000 gondolas plying Venice’s canals — the dominant method of local transport for people and goods. Venetian noble families prized them; they were status symbols as well as means of getting around.
Art from the era, from Carpaccio’s paintings to maps by Jacopo de’ Barbari, shows gondolas intertwined with daily Venetian life. Over time, design evolved — early versions varied in shape and decoration, but by the 19th century the modern, curved, asymmetrical gondola had taken form. Its distinctive shape wasn’t just aesthetic: it helps counterbalance the gondolier’s weight and maneuver the narrow waterways.
The Art of Building a Gondola
Every gondola is crafted by Venetian artisans, handmade from roughly 280-300 pieces of wood from multiple tree species, assembled without blueprints in traditional boatyards (squeri) like Squero San Trovaso. These workshops carry forward centuries-old building techniques that few places in the world still practice.
A Venetian sumptuary law in 1562 standardized their appearance, requiring all gondolas to be painted black — a rule that survives today.
The Gondolier
When one thinks of Venice, most likely an image of a striped-shirt wearing gondolier with a straw hat and a red scarf comes to mind. It is an image steeped in history. Originally, many gondoliers worked for noble families. The highly-respected trade, with knowledge of the labyrinthine canals, has been passed down through generations. There are only about 400 licenses available, which are often passed down in families.
Becoming a gondolier is competitive and regulated — candidates must undergo specialized training, including mastering rowing technique, pass tests showing understanding of Venetian waterways and history, and exhibit basic foreign language skills for interacting with visitors. The official training course only accepts about 40 students per year.
Until recently, it was a male-dominated profession; only in the 21st century have women gained a foothold as licensed gondoliers, expanding the tradition in new directions.
Booking a Gondola in Venice
In a city shaped by centuries of adaptation to water, the gondola symbolizes tradition, craftmanship, and Venetian identity. When we first went to Venice, Jon and I were skeptical if a gondola ride was worth the price. As we drifted away though, we realized the experience was worth every single euro. To glide along in a gondola built by hand, as our gondolier narrated the city was priceless. Seeing the water lines (and algae) on the walls as we gazed up at stately palaces gave us an experience we have not forgotten (in almost ten years). In an era when overtourism and modernization threaten historic places, the gondola brought us back in time to connect with Venetian culture, if only for 45 minutes.
I highly recommend taking a gondola ride when you visit Venice—not just for the romance, but for the chance to experience the city the way Venetians once did. You can book in person along the canals, but if you’d rather secure a spot ahead of time—especially during busy travel seasons—the gondola experiences linked in the FAQ below make planning easy.
Happy travels!
LivTours (semi-private/private tours): https://livtours.com/destinations/venice-tours?af_code=E1DDN61
**You can save 10% on LivTours tours with the code AMYRH10 (good on two or more tours)
TourGuy (30-minute semi-private gondola ride): https://tidd.ly/4aDvvZZ
Viator (various gondola rides from private to shared trips): https://www.viator.com/Venice-tours/Gondola-Cruises/d522-g3-c5318?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
Get Your Guide (online travel booking marketplace with private, small, medium size groups): https://www.getyourguide.com/venice-l35/venice-grand-canal-gondola-ride-with-app-commentary-t221382/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher
Frequently Asked Questions About Gondolas in Venice
How old are gondolas in Venice?
Gondolas have existed in Venice for nearly a thousand years. The earliest known written reference dates to 1094, during the era of the Venetian Republic.
Were gondolas always used for tourism?
No. For centuries, gondolas were Venice’s primary form of transportation, used by locals for everything from commuting to ceremonial occasions. Tourism is a relatively modern role.
Why are all Venetian gondolas black?
A 16th-century law required gondolas to be painted black in order to curb excessive displays of wealth among Venetian nobles. The tradition continues today.
How are gondolas made today?
Traditional gondolas are still handcrafted in Venice using centuries-old techniques. Each one is built from hundreds of pieces of wood and assembled without modern blueprints.
How can I book a gondola ride?
If a gondola ride is on your Venice wish list, I recommend deciding in advance whether you want to leave it to chance—or secure a time and experience that fits your travel style. You can book in person by walking up to a gondolier station and waiting in line or you can book in advance. The options below range from classic shared rides to small-group and private experiences.
Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.
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LivTours (semi-private/private tours): https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61
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Viator (online travel booking marketplace with private, small, medium size groups): https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
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