GONDOLAS

yes, venice is known all over the world because of its many famous features and buildings - yet the most special and unique 'epitome' are the gondolas. they have been built for about thousand years. in the hightime of venice, during the 16th to the 18th century, estimates say there were almost ten thousand gondolas in use, in all large canals as well as in the very many small waterways in venice.
gondolas are built from wood, about 11 m long, by tradition black-painted, and can transport up to six people. they are handled by one person, the gondoliere, who stands in the back and rows the boat with one long oar. this requires considerable skills.
beside the countless 'normal' gondolas for daily business, highly decorated large ones were also build for formal events. once a year a stunning event, the "regata storica", takes place on the canal grande. this includes a parade of boats decorated in 16th-century style and powered by crews in period costumes. there are also races by boats with crews of a dozen people.
there is nothing like this spectacular show anywhere else in the world.