Gondoliers are more than just boat men. They are the keepers of a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. To become a gondolier, you must not only know how to maneuver the gondola through the narrow canals of Venice, but also know a lot about the city.
Many gondoliers were born and raised in Venice, and their connection to the city is deep. They know every corner of the canals, every bridge, and every historic building, and they are usually great storytellers who can make you feel like you are in Venice.
Some gondoliers can play guitar or violin while sailing through the calm waters of the lagoon. Their music makes riding a gondola more exciting and romantic. It makes visitors feel like they are in a different world.
Let's find out who is a gondolier who captivates tourists around the world in his traditional Venetian boat.
Perhaps he'll take you on a serene journey through the smaller canals, weaving tales of Venetian history and culture as you glide under the iconic Rialto Bridge. Or maybe he'll whisk you away for a romantic gondola experience, complete with music and the enchanting atmosphere of St. Mark's Square. Wherever your gondolier leads, your visit to Venice will surely be unforgettable.
Best gondolier in Venice: let's go on a tour !
Before to tell you about this craft and the interesting things it did in the past, take a look at the gondola rides you can take in Venice.
Only in person can you see how a gondolier navigates his craft through the canals of the historic center. You can choose between two different options.
- daytime private tour ;
- evening private tour ;
- daytime shared tour ;
- evening shared tour with serenade.
All tours are 30 minutes long. Private tours may also include a serenade and aperitif on board.
Click on the links to find out more about the gondola tours and choose the one you want.
The daytime tour is available year-round from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; the evening tour is available until 8:00 p.m. from April to October.
The daytime tour is available all year round at 3:00 PM (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM - 5:15 PM), and the evening tour is available from April to October at 6:30 PM.
History of Venice gondolier
The profession of “gondolier” originated when Venetian aristocrats took to traveling in private gondolas, with their own permanent gondolier; he was well-paid and was also called “gondolier de casada”. This character became a sort of confidant, available at all hours of the day and night, taking part in all movements, including the most secret and hidden. Not so long ago, the trade was passed down exclusively from father to son, forming a kind of “caste”.
Gondolas and gondoliers were the pride of the Serenissima. Our maritime republic was accustomed to making gifts of its gondolas to foreign ambassadors and monarchs, and even to placing gondoliers at their disposal. In 1687, for example, Louis XIV of France, nicknamed the Sun King, had 15 gondoliers at his disposal in Versailles, in the canal's “Little Venice”.
Even today, foreign gondoliers work outside Venice, for example on the artificial canals of the Venezia Hotel in Las Vegas, on a lake in New York's Central Park, in Prague on the Vltava River, in Brazil in the town of Nova Venecia and in other parts of the world.
How to become gondolier ?
In the past, the gondolier profession was typically inherited, either from father to son or through a sort of apprenticeship system where aspiring gondoliers trained under experienced ones. This involved completing a lengthy internship and passing an exam called "the proof of the oar." Afterward, they worked on the outskirts of Venice, sharing earnings with the previous gondolier's widow for boat rental. Only after years of hard work did they earn the right to work in the city center.
Today, becoming a gondolier is open to anyone over 18 years old. Prospective gondoliers must attend a specialized school and pass a competitive entry exam held every few years. Requirements include proficiency in rowing and swimming, as well as a first aid certificate. The curriculum covers topics like foreign languages, Venice's history, and its art. After completing the program, students face a challenging final exam.
Next comes an apprenticeship lasting 6 to 12 months with a seasoned gondolier. Following this, candidates must pass a practical exam assessed by five gondolier judges. Successful candidates become "substitutes," able to fill in for licensed colleagues. While in this role, they have the freedom to choose their partners and work areas. With more experience, they can apply for a license for a fixed position in a specific part of the city.
How is a Venetian gondolier dressed?
According to the rule of the Association of Gondoliers and the Municipality of Venice, the gondolier must be dressed as follows during the service:
- 1 inch striped t-shirt in white and red/blue color
- Classic style black pants
- Shoes of any color
- Straw hat (worn according to individual wishes)
- In cold weather, a black jacket with or without sleeves with a striped scarf
All these clothes can be found in a specialized store in Venice, in the San Marco district. A t-shirt or scarf could be an authentic souvenir to take home after an unforgettable gondola ride!
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