Squero Venice Italy: a gondola workshop

reapair workshop gondola venice vivovenetia

Visit a squero in Venice to explore the world of Venetian gondolas. You will discover the uniqueness of a trade that is becoming increasingly rare in Venice itself, but still very present in the imagination of visitors from all over the world.

WHY DID WE LIKE THIS EXPERIENCE SO MUCH?

An authentic experience in the heart of the historic center
Because it allows you to discover all the secrets of the gondola
Because it is excellent to do in a group, in a family or with school groups!

Price

Self-access workshop tour in Italian:

Family package (up to 6 persons): 149€
Group 7-11 persons: 169€
Group 12-15 persons: 189€

Tour of the workshop with a guide:

Family package (up to 6 persons): 300€
Group 7-11 persons: 315€
Group 12-15 persons: 340€

Other practical information

Weekday visits are to Squero San Trovaso.
Visits on Sundays take place at Squero Tramontin.
Available for all ages

Spoken Languages

Italian
English

Included / Excluded

Included :

Self-guided tour (Italian) – 30 minutes or Guided tour (English) – 1 hour

Excluded :

Everything not specified above.

Sales Conditions

In case of cancellation:

Up to 7 days before the activity: 20% of the amount will be retained.
From 6 days to 48 hours before the activity: 50% of the amount will be retained.
In the event of cancellation within 48 hours preceding the start of the activity and in the event of a no-show, which corresponds to absence at the place and time indicated, no refund is provided.

Availability

Each day except saturday. See calendar

Duration

30 mn - 1h

Features

Child Friendly
Private Experience
Sustainable

Booking

Discover the fascinating world of Venice’s Squero, the workshop where gondolas are made and repaired. What goes on inside a squero? Come and find out with us!

Venice’s shipyards date back to the 15th century. Since then, talented artists have worked meticulously to bring each typical Venetian flat-bottomed boat to life.

Each person contributes to the creation of this important symbol of Venice. Different trades are involved, such as the remer, who shapes the metal ornaments, the upholsterer who specializes in parecio (cushions), and the sculptor who creates enchanting decors. The sumptuous gilding has its own story; crafted from gold leaf, it adds a touch of magic to every “Made in Venice” gondola.

Gondola boatyard Venice: Squero di San Trovaso and Squero Tramontin

There were many squeri before, but only five are still working today. The Squero San Trovaso is probably the most famous because it is the only one that can be seen only from outside. When you walk along the Fondamenta Nani, which connects the Gallerie dell’Accademia and Fondamenta delle Zattere, look across the canal to see this unusual building.

On weekdays, you can visit the Squero San Trovaso and witness the traditional craft of gondola making. If you choose to visit on a Sunday, you will be taken to Squero Tramontin, another historic shipyard in the same area, known for its skilled craftsmanship.

Master craftsmen at these squeri have been passing down their secrets for over a century, preserving the intricate techniques and traditional methods of building and repairing gondolas.

Practical information

Two Visit Formulas: (Visits are private and not collective)

Simple Workshop Tour – 30 minutes: Explore the squero at your own pace, accompanied by artisans who will provide explanations in Italian.
Guided Workshop Tour – 1 hour: Let an English-speaking guide lead you through the squero. He or she will accompany you throughout the visit, translating the artisans’ explanations for you. After the visit, enjoy an extra hour for a stroll around the neighborhood in his company.

Program :

Enjoy learning about Venetian gondola builders on this half-hour to one-hour tour! Learn how skilled craftsmen create unique pieces that allow gondoliers to glide smoothly through the canals of the Serenissima, which makes everyone happy.

Even though gondola building is threatened elsewhere, it’s still important to the lagoon city. This tour will teach you about the history and traditions of Venetian gondolas. Take a close look at how they are made and repaired. See how each piece fits together perfectly to make a unique gondola.

Gondola construction: What is the process of building a Venice gondola?

Gondolas are built according to a complex and meticulous process, requiring great expertise and attention to detail at every step. In the traditional boat yard, or “squero,” skilled craftsmen work with precision and care to create these iconic vessels.

Material Selection:

The process begins with the careful selection of wooden planks from eight different varieties. These types of wood, such as oak, larch, and cherry, are chosen for their quality, durability, and suitability for different parts of the gondola. This careful selection ensures that each plank contributes to the overall strength and longevity of the vessel.

Drying the Planks:

Once selected, the planks must dry for at least a year before they are ready to be worked on. This extended drying period is crucial as it ensures the stability of the wood, allowing any residual moisture to evaporate slowly. This minimizes the risk of future warping, splitting, or other deformations that could compromise the gondola’s integrity.

Constructing the Structure:

Under the guidance of the “master of the axe,” or squerarol, the planks are meticulously assembled to form the gondola’s structure. This crucial step involves precise measurements and expert craftsmanship to ensure that each piece fits perfectly. The squerarol’s expertise is vital in creating a boat that is not only strong but also perfectly balanced, which is essential for its performance on the water.

Shaping and Finishing:

Once the basic structure is erected, the intricate process of shaping begins. Skilled artisans carve every detail by hand, from the elegant curves of the hull to the delicate decorative carvings that adorn the gondola. This stage requires a high level of artistry and precision, as each piece is carefully worked on to create a vessel of unparalleled beauty and elegance.

Caulking and Coating:

To ensure the gondola’s watertightness, meticulous caulking is applied to all joints and seams. This involves filling any gaps with a specialized caulking compound that expands and contracts with the wood, ensuring a tight seal. Following this, a waterproof coating is added to the entire structure. This coating not only protects the wood from water and weather but also enhances the gondola’s appearance, giving it a sleek, polished finish.

Final Inspection:

Before being launched, each gondola undergoes a thorough inspection to ensure it meets the highest quality standards. This final step involves checking every detail of the gondola, from the structural integrity to the finish of the decorative elements. Any defects, no matter how small, are carefully corrected to guarantee the perfection of the vessel. The inspection ensures that the gondola is not only visually stunning but also fully functional and safe for use on the water.