Size ( L W H )
60 x 13 x 18 cm
Premium Acacia Wood
Ready to display with wooden base and brass name plate
Hand made with Plank on frame construction method by skilled craftsmen. These models demand a considerable number of hours for completion, with meticulous planning and careful selection of materials
From the Grand Canal
Here is a great model of iconic black boats that sail in the canals of Venice. The gondola is a traditional, flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat, well suited to the conditions of the Venetian lagoon. The gondola is propelled by a gondolier, who stands facing the bow and rows with a forward stroke, followed by a compensating backward stroke. The oar rests in an elaborately carved wooden rest, known as a "forcola," which allows the slight drag of each return stroke to pull the bow back to its forward course.
The gondola has a rich history in Venice, dating back to the 11th century when it was first mentioned by name. Over the centuries, the gondola has evolved from a luxury vessel for the wealthy to a practical and efficient form of transportation for all Venetians. Today, the gondola remains an integral part of Venetian culture and a must-do experience for visitors to the city.
This beautiful model captures the timeless elegance of the gondola and makes an exceptional addition to any decor.
This wooden model is for decor purposes, it cannot float.
Keep it in dry conditions and avoid direct sunlight.
Venetian Gondola Boat Model
The history of the Venetian gondola is a fascinating one, intertwined with the rich and vibrant past of the city itself. The term "gondola" has been in circulation since the 11th century, but its presumed predecessor was the scaula, a slim Roman boat with a flat bottom. The scaula had the advantage of skillfully navigating the vast network of meandering Venetian canals, a challenging task in any vessel.
In the 16th century, the Republic of Venice was a wealthy and powerful city, boasting an array of boats gliding along its canals, including batelas, caorlinas, galleys, and gondolas. At the time, gondolas were luxury boats, coveted by the wealthy who competed to make them ever more beautiful and lavish. However, in 1562, the Senate issued a law mandating that all gondolas be black and bare, effectively curbing the extravagance.
The gondola has existed in Venice since the 11th century, with the first recorded mention of the boat by name in 1094. The traditional felze, a small cabin on the gondola, was eliminated in response to tourists' complaints that it blocked their view. The gondola is propelled by a person, known as a gondolier, who stands at the stern and rows with a forward stroke, followed by a compensating backward stroke.
Today, there are only about 400 Venetian gondolas in active use, primarily catering to tourists. The gondolier, an integral part of the attraction, is often a charming and flamboyant character with a solid grip on gondola history. Contrary to popular belief, not all gondoliers sing during a Venetian gondola ride.
In addition to their role in transportation, gondolas have also been used for funeral processions to the cemetery of Venice, located on the island of San Michele. Furthermore, young Venetians learn to row gondolas in sports clubs out of pride for their traditions and concern for preserving them. The smaller and more streamlined cousin of the gondola, the gondolino, was created in 1825 and is used only for traditional Venetian boat regattas, the most famous of which is the Regata Storica, held every year on the first Sunday in September.
Venetian gondola is a rich tapestry of tradition, luxury, and practicality, reflecting the unique character of the city itself.