Gondola and gondolier - these two words are firmly rooted in Venice. This type of transport is considered the legendary symbol of this city. Venice itself came from rural villages that were scattered along the lagoon of a small river. Over time, many channels appeared, and a huge water maze formed. Years passed, the city grew, and in order to move, gondolas (small boats) were used, which were the only possible transport.
Now there are many theatrical productions, legends, novels and even novels that are dedicated to the Venetian rowers or where they play not the least role. There is even Gondoliers, a film that Stephen King specifically made about them. These boaters firmly entered the life, history and culture of Venice and Italy as a whole. And rightfully considered the most famous landmark of the city. There is no such tourist visiting Venice who at least once would not ride a gondola.
Gondolas
Of all the water transport, this particular boat came up the most. It is lightweight, roomy, maneuverable and fast. By its grace, the boat is not inferior to small yachts of the highest class. It was decided to build gondolas only with a flat bottom, since their purpose is to transport people and goods through shallow channels and ducts.
Gondoliers
These boats need to be driven. Gondoliers are just the people who do this. Initially, they stood in the center of the boat, but to accommodate as many passengers as possible, the “workplace” was transferred to the beginning of the vessel, aft. The meaning of the word "gondoliers": the boat, rowers.
Thanks to this rearrangement, innovations also appeared: it took a heavy long oar, which was made of a strong and dense beech. To manipulate it, the gondolier required considerable dexterity and strength. And the second innovation is the position of the oar, which served to control. In order for it to hold firmly, an oarlock (fork) was invented. It was made of walnut. There were a number of grooves in this oarlock, into which oars were inserted in turn. It was possible to change the length of the lever and thereby control the speed of the nacelle.
After the oars, it was necessary to change the bow of the boats, and it was heavier, as opposed to the gondolier, which was aft. Thus, another innovation appeared - “iron”. This is called a heavy metal plate with 6 teeth located horizontally and curled up. Outwardly, it resembles the crest of the headdress of the Doges of Venice.
A bit about the profession
It requires special skill from a person, and usually it is inherited. The Venetian gondolier begins his studies as a boy. Since 10 years, he has been trained to own a paddle and taught history, singing and foreign languages. Gondoliers even have their own songs, which are called barcarols. The word Italian comes from the "boat."
Particular attention is paid to wealthy tourists. To date, the Venetian gondolier is a special caste of beauties who know several languages, speak aristocratic manners and are able to release the most refined compliments to the fair sex. And age does not matter. Therefore, gondoliers are often presented in the form of gigolos, which are in special demand.
Profession: gondoliers - who is it?
They are leisurely and have self-esteem. They have their own uniform, which consists of a straw hat framed by ribbons and a striped t-shirt. This profession is considered very prestigious, therefore, licenses are severely limited. In total, they can be issued strictly 425 - no less, no more.
Female gondoliers
It so happened that gondoliers are always men, but in 2009 the tradition that has been observed for centuries has been violated. Boscolo Georgia, who was only 23 years old, was able to successfully pass the exams and was the first in the world among the fair sex to receive a license. This caused great discontent among men. Even her father, although secretly proud of his daughter, does not approve of her chosen profession.
Gondolier Traditions
In Venice there are traffic lights that are at all intersections to regulate traffic. But gondoliers still do not trust them, and in traffic jams they prefer to shout loudly, warning of their arrival. This tradition has been preserved since ancient times.
Boats have always been painted black. But to attract tourists, gondoliers began to break the usual traditions and decorate their water transport with neon lights, gold bedspreads and pillows. But the authorities threatened to take away licenses from those who would violate restraint and change the rules. Therefore, the old tradition has been preserved.
Gondoliers are well-known charming "macho". They also have their own songs (we have already mentioned them) that they perform, but modern and popular are not included in their folklore. Therefore, in the craft, Venetian traditional melodies are preferred.
License and inheritance
The right to obtain membership in the gondolier guild club can only be inherited. And only to his son from his father. But getting an outsider there is quite difficult. If the gondolier died, then his license is transferred only to the direct heir, and the latter can sell it in the future.
Its cost is very high, but this is justified, since the salaries of boaters are far from small. In just 30 minutes they earn 100 euros. And the working day is quite long and can last up to 15 hours.
Before a person receives a license, it is necessary to pass two exams: first, the theoretical part, and then practice. In general, there are even special courses lasting nine months. It is important to be able to properly control the gondola.
Working nuances
Gondoliers are people who need to know the city and all the channels well, have oratory skills and a great voice, since they have to sing a lot of songs. But some, such as barcarole, boatmen perform only for an additional fee. Negotiable price. It often happens that on board a gondola artists and singers are invited with accompaniment.
The uniform is special - a straw wide - brimmed hat is required , to which ribbons are attached, a striped T-shirt, and a simple white shirt can be worn over it. The dress code is prescribed in the rules, and it must be strictly observed.
Rowing technique
Due to the fact that the shape of the gondola is asymmetric, the rower can control it with just one oar. At the same time, it is located on the side of the dividing line, which divides the boat in half. The gondolier controls the oar from the bow (it is also the steering wheel).
Technique is more jerky than rowing. The gondolier first swings the boat and makes a paddle of movement along a specific trajectory.
Competitions
Gondoliers are professionals who hone their skills not only at work, but also in sports. Every first September Sunday in Venice, a Historic Regatta is held. Initially, before the competition, a parade of gondolas is arranged, and after that, rowers compete, showing their skill and art. The distance is seven kilometers. Moreover, there are competitions of an internal scale - they are held between certain areas and islands or even gondolier clans-families.