PRIVATE EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS
Plan your exclusive outing, wedding, corporate event, or cruise aboard. Our boats are exclusively for private groups, complete with captain and crew, for a unique and unforgettable experience.
The gondola is slightly asymmetrical, with the left side wider than the right. This detail invisible to the eyes contributes to its magic, allowing the gondolier to maneuver it with a single oar, like a dance on the water.
The bow iron, the gondola’s signature metal ornament, is not just decorative – each part of it tells a story: the six teeth represent the “sestieri” of Venice, the curve recalls the Grand Canal, and the top part symbolizes the hat of the Doge, the city’s ancient ruler.
Gondolas are all black, a color chosen by law in the 17th century to limit the excessive ostentation of nobles. This detail made them even more elegant, enveloping them in an aura of restraint and charm.
Each gondola is the result of months of work in the “squeri,” the traditional Venetian shipyards. Made from 280 pieces of wood of different species, such as mahogany and walnut, it is a perfect synthesis of beauty, balance and functionality.
Before the introduction of the color black, gondolas were painted in bright hues and adorned with gold and fine fabrics, reflecting the prestige of noble families.
The gondolier, with skill and elegance, uses a single oar resting on a “forcola”, a special hand-carved wooden support. Each movement is a choreography that is interwoven with the water and the rhythm of the city.
For centuries, the profession of gondolier has been reserved for men. It wasn’t until 2010, after centuries of tradition, that the first woman was officially licensed, bringing a new light to this ancient art.
Despite its gracefulness on the water, a gondola weighs about 700 kg. This apparent contradiction is the result of meticulous design, making it remarkably agile and maneuverable.
A modern legend says that kissing on a gondola while passing under the Bridge of Sighs ensures eternal love. A romantic tradition that continues to attract couples from all over the world.
The gondola is not just a means of transportation, but a symbol of the very essence of Venice. Its elegant lines, the sound of the oar in the water, and the skill of the gondolier tell a story of love and tradition that has spanned the centuries.
Plan your exclusive outing, wedding, corporate event, or cruise aboard. Our boats are exclusively for private groups, complete with captain and crew, for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Our event manager will help you plan your boat experience in Venice, creating the perfect day: a private party on board, a wedding, a corporate event, a special lunch or dinner.
For a personalized quote or to book a boat for a wedding, birthday party, or any other event you’d like to organize, contact us! We’d be happy to provide you with a free consultation.