Forcola gondola: a visit workshop just for you !

In Venice, every street corner reveals a piece of its rich cultural heritage, and among its most precious treasures is the traditional craft of forcole. These beautifully carved pieces of wood play an essential role in Venetian navigation, gracefully supporting the oars of the gondolas through the winding canals of the city. Venetian gondolas, with their flat bottom and single oar, are iconic symbols of Venice, often painted black and considered pieces of art in their own right. A gondola ride through the narrow canals is a a must-do of any visit to Venice, offering views of historic landmarks such as the Rialto Bridge.

At the heart of this age-old tradition lies the forcolaio workshop, where master craftsmen have been perpetuating ancestral skills for generations. The gondolier stands on the port side of the gondola, using the forcola as an oar rest to navigate. Without a forcola, it is impossible to row, as they provide the essential support needed to maneuver the gondolas. Each gondola, a work of art, requires the skill of licensed gondoliers to steer through the waterways.

This workshop, which has existed for centuries, is much more than just a place of manufacture; it is a sanctuary of Venetian craftsmanship, where each piece of wood is fashioned with love and dedication. The tradition dates back to the 11th century, with gondolas remaining a lasting symbol of Venetian culture, as noted by literary figures like Mark Twain. These Venetian boats, each uniquely crafted, continue to captivate visitors, reflecting the timeless beauty and artistry of Venice.

Gondola oar: your private visit workshop program

Learn about voga alla veneta, a type of rowing from Venice, in a special class just for you! A master forcola maker will show you how to make the forcole, the wooden pieces that gondoliers use to maneuver their boats.

Each forcola is a special piece of art made to fit the user’s body and rowing style. Every step of making a forcola is carefully done to make sure it works well and looks good.

You will learn about the various techniques used to make these unique pieces. Every tool is important in making these masterpieces. You’ll be able to see these techniques firsthand and learn more about this amazing craft.

Why should you visit this traditional workshop ?

This tour is offered in English and Italian, allowing everyone to fully understand the explanations and demonstrations provided by the master forcola maker.

---

A Dive into Venetian History: By choosing this workshop, you will discover the very essence of Venice. You will be immersed in the history of voga alla veneta, the traditional art of rowing, which is an integral part of the city’s culture and identity. It’s a unique opportunity to understand how these ancestral practices have shaped Venetian watercraft.

---

Authentic Craftsmanship: The workshop is led by a master forcolaio, a dedicated artisan who perpetuates a skill passed down through generations. You will witness the creation of the bow forcole, elegantly carved wooden pieces. In doing so, you’ll uncover the traditional techniques used in their making. Each forcola is a true work of unique art, crafted with unmatched precision and attention to detail.

---

Preservation of Local Traditions: By participating in this workshop, you contribute to the preservation of an ancient craft that is an integral part of Venice’s cultural heritage. Your support helps keep alive a tradition that is at risk of disappearing in the face of modernization and the loss of local craftsmanship. You play an active role in safeguarding this rich heritage.

VivoVenetia, your venetian tour operator

VivoVenetia is more than just arranging tours in Venice and the Veneto region.

We have many classic tours that take you to famous places like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. We also lead tours of famous places and take you on boat trips to Burano, Murano, or Torcello. And of course, a gondola ride and visited tours.

But our mission goes further than that. We represent a different type of tourism that is different from regular tourism. We encourage responsible tourism that shows the real Venice. With us, you can take part in treasure hunts, enjoy meals on fishing boats, take part in Venetian mask-making workshops, visit gondola repair workshops, and more.

We have packages for everyone who travels, including families, friends, couples, solo travelers, incentive trip and schools.

There are tours for both groups and individuals. Some are ready to book directly with many options, while others need to be customized based on your preferences. You get to choose!

Come with us on a fun trip to Venice, Italy, and see the real beauty of this beautiful city.

Feel free to contact us if you want to have an unforgettable experience in Venice.

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

• Best gondola ride in Venice: Find our private day and night offers or to share by gondola with all the necessary information
• Row Venice: Learn to row like a real Venetian during this group lesson
• Gondola night ride: a gondola ride in the evening with the possibility of adding a serenade and/or prosecco
• Best place to ride gondola in Venice
• Venice gondola boat tour
• Venice gondolier: Learn about gondoliers and masters of gondolas. You can also try a gondola ride.
• Squero 70: visit a squero, a gondola repair workshop
• Gondola boat: find out everything you need to know about gondolas