Oars and forcola Venice : Visit a workshop !

When we talk about gondolas, we immediately think of Venice! The city of the Doges could not be so famous all over the world without its typical rowing boat! In the Grand Canal and under the Rialto Bridge, wherever you look, you see them: the oar and the “forcola“, indispensable tools for navigating  “Venice style”: the voga alla veneta.

But where are they made and by whom? In Venice, those artisans are called “Remi” and his workshop “Remer”.

We invite you to visit one of these Remi, a workshop for building oars and forcole! Within these walls, time has stood still. The traditional workshop, invaded by pieces of wood and various tools, is overhung by a brick vault. Your guide for this atypical visit will be, one could not dream better, our master craftsman himself!

The forcola Venice’s gondola key part !

If everyone has a basic knowledge of an oar, it is not so obvious that everyone knows the forcola. It is a piece of wood used as a rowlock found on Venetian boats. It is carved by a master forcolaio to adapt to the morphology and navigation style of its user. It is usually found on the right side of the boat, with the oar resting on it. Due to its strange shape, it allows the gondolier to take turns, to gain speed, or to go backwards by exerting expert pressure on the oar.

Forcolaio: a typical Venetian craft, since 1307!

A city born on water implies a logical consequence: the need for oars for navigation!

Discover a workshop for making oars and forcolaio. Already documented in 1307 by the craftsmen’s guild, this visit will show you how the art of rowing is still alive today!

The forcolaio itself will tell you about the tradition of the oars and the tools used during the work. The attention to detail and the practicality of the craftsmanship are the key points that make each object unique and perfect.

Discover the care and attention that characterize this craft and thanks to which such an ancient tradition can be perpetuated.

If you are interested in this experience, but would like to do it at another time or you would like to add yourself to an existing group, do not hesitate to contact us, we will try to meet your requirements.

Do not hesitate to contact us and let us know your requirements. We will be more than happy to assists you!

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Are you a fan of rowing boats? You may like to read:

• Venetian Gondola – the iconic black boat 
• A visit to the Squero Venice – where gondolas are made
• Venice gondola ride – all the options for an authentic experience