Traditional gondola ride on Venice’s Grand Canal

The gondola is one of Venice’s most recognisable symbols – just as iconic as the city’s winding canals. However, this unique vessel hasn’t always looked the way it does today. It’s changed over time, evolving alongside Venice itself, shaped by history and tradition.

These boats aren’t just pretty, they’re built using time-honoured techniques, each detail carrying symbolic meaning. The comb-like teeth of the iron prow – known as rebbi – represent the six sestieri, or districts, of Venice. It’s not just decorative either – the iron helps balance the gondolier’s weight and its flowing ‘S’ shape mirrors the curves of the Grand Canal.

If you really want to get into the Venetian spirit, a gondola tour is a dreamy way to soak up the city’s sights. You’ll float past elegant old buildings, slide under bridges and feel the atmosphere of this one-of-a-kind place built on water.