the gondola has been a part of venice since the 11th century.
with its slim hull and flat underside, the craft is perfectly adapted to negotiating narrow, shallow canals.
๙there is a slight leftward curve to the prow, which counteracts the force of the oar, preventing the gondola from going round in circles.
in 1562 it was decreed that all gondolas should be black to stop people making an ostentatious show of their wealth.
for special occasions they are decorated with flowers.
today, gondola rides are expensive and usually taken by tourists.
however, traghetti (gondola ferries) are a cheap, convenient way of crossing the gran canal.