Gondoliers - who are they? Venetian gondoliers

Gondola and gondolier - these two words are firmly entrenched in Venice. This type of transport is considered to be the legendary symbol of this city. Venice itself originated from rural settlements that were scattered across 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 navigate, used gondolas (small boats), which were the only possible transport.

Now there are many theatrical productions, legends, stories and even novels that are dedicated to Venetian rowers or where they play not the last role. There is even a "Gondoliers" - a film that was specially made about them by Stephen King. These boatmen have firmly entered the life, history and culture of Venice and Italy as a whole. And rightly considered the most famous landmark of the city. There is no tourist who visited Venice, which at least once would not ride a gondola.

Gondolas

Of all the water transport this boat was the most suitable. It is light, capacious, 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 small canals and ducts.

Gondoliers

These boats need to be managed. Gondoliers are just people who do it. Initially, they stood in the center of the boat, but to accommodate as many passengers as possible, the "workplace" was moved to the head of the ship, to the stern. The meaning of the word "gondoliers": boat managers, rowers.

Thanks to this reshuffle, innovations also appeared: it took a heavy long paddle, which was made of strong and dense beech. To manipulate it, the gondolier needed considerable dexterity and strength. And the second innovation is the position of the oar, which served to control. In order for it to hold tight, a forklift (fork) was invented. It was made from walnut wood. In this oarlocks there were a number of grooves in which oars were inserted in turn. It was possible to change the length of the lever and thereby adjust the speed of the gondola.

After the oars it was necessary to change the nose of the boats, and it was heavier, in contrast to the gondolier, which was at the stern. Thus, there was one more innovation - "iron". This is called a heavy metal plate with 6 teeth, located horizontally and curled upward. Outwardly it resembles the comb of the headdress of the Doges of Venice.

A little about the profession

It requires a special skill from a man, and usually it is inherited. Gondolier Venetian begins his studies as a boy. From the age of 10 he is trained to own a paddle and teach history, singing and foreign languages. The gondoliers even have their own songs, which are called barcarols. The word Italian came from the "boat".

Particular attention is paid to the rich tourists. To date, the Venetian gondolier is a special caste of handsome men who know several languages, who possess aristocratic manners and who can release the most exquisite compliments to the beautiful sex. And age does not matter. Therefore gondoliers are often represented in the image of gigolos, which are in high demand.

Profession: gondoliers - who is it?

They are unhurried and have a sense of self-worth. 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, so the licenses are strictly limited. In total, they can be given strictly 425 - no less, no more.

Women-gondoliers

It so happened that gondoliers are always men, but in 2009 a tradition that was observed for centuries was broken. Boscolo Georgia, who was only 23 years old, successfully passed the exams and was the first in the world among women to get a license. This caused great discontent among men. Even her father, though secretly and proud of her daughter, does not approve of her chosen profession.

Traditions of gondoliers

In Venice there are traffic lights, which are located at all intersections to adjust traffic. But the gondoliers still do not trust them, and prefer to shout loudly in places of traffic jams, warning of their arrival. This tradition has been preserved since ancient times.

The boats were always painted black. But to attract tourists gondoliers began to break the habitual traditions and decorate their water transport with neon bulbs, gold bedspreads and pillows. But the authorities threatened to take away licenses from those who would violate restraint and change the rules. Therefore, the ancient tradition is preserved.

Gondoliers are famous charming "macho". They also have their own songs (we already mentioned about them), which they perform, but modern and popular in their folklore are not included. Therefore, Venetian traditional melodies are preferred in the craft.

License and inheritance

The right to get membership in the gondolier guild club can only be transferred by inheritance. And only to the son from the father. But getting there a stranger is not easy. If the gondolier has 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 wages of boatmen 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, you must pass two exams: first the theoretical part, and then the practice. In general, there are even special courses lasting nine months. It is important here to be able to properly manage the gondola.

Working Nuances

Gondoliers are people who need to know the city and all channels well, have speaking skills and a great voice, because they have to sing a lot of songs. But some, for example barcarolu, boaters perform only for an additional payment. The price is negotiable. It often happens that on board the gondolas invite artists and singers with accompaniment.

A special form is a must-have thatched wide - brimmed hat, to which tapes are attached, a striped T-shirt, and on top of it you can put on a plain white shirt. 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 only with one oar. At the same time, it is located on the side of the dividing line, which divides the boat in half. Operates the gondolier from the bow of the paddle (it is also the wheel).

The technique is more jogging than stroking. Gondolier first swings the boat and paddles along a certain trajectory.

Competition

Gondoliers are professionals who perfect their skills not only at work, but also in sports. On every first Sunday in September in Venice, the Historical Regatta is held. Initially, before the competition, a gondola parade is arranged, and afterwards rowers compete, showing their skills and art. The distance is seven kilometers. And there are competitions of an internal scale - they are held between certain regions and islands or even gondolier family clans.