
Image Name: The waterways of Venice
Venice, known for its iconic gondolas, holds many secrets waiting to be uncovered. At 09:00, the city’s narrow streets and serene canals are cloaked in a peaceful silence, offering a glimpse of its untouched beauty. As day-trippers descend on the lagoon, Luca Padoan stands by the Rio della Misericordia, observing the neighborhood come alive. Nearby, a handmade sandal boat, often mistaken for a gondola, captures the attention of curious tourists.
The Sandolo: Venice’s Hidden Gem
Although the gondola is associated with Venice, the sandolo is still not very well-known. Usually painted in midnight black and distinguished by its steel “curl” on the prow, the sandal has a rich background. Navigating the lagoon’s shallow waters and moving goods and people between Venice and the mainland required these flat-bottomed rowing boats.
Understanding Venice’s Origins and Evolution
One must first know Venice’s background if one is to really value the sandolo. In the past, the lagoon’s average depth was shockingly shallow, which made navigation of traditional boats challenging. Given its original form, the sandolo fit these circumstances. Valentino Scarpa stresses this historical relevance as he supervises the nine stazi (stations) where sandoli still run.
A Glimpse into History
Sandoli first come under reference in 1292. Sandoli had several uses, including fishing, racing, and hunting, unlike gondolas, used mainly for transportation. They were also less ornamental, shorter, wider, and less gondola like. Sandoli have a painted prow and a flat, open stern whereas gondolas have two pointed ends, an S-shaped bow, and an iron stern.
Practical Advantages of the Sandolo
The variations in design between gondolas and sandoli have utilitarian value. Whereas a sandolo’s symmetrical bottom lets the rower stand in the middle, therefore improving balance and speed, with a gondola the rower stands on the side. Additionally allowing the sandolo to carry more weight with less chance of tilting is this design.
Every Venetian family possessed a sandolo historically. Used for people, food, fish, and material transportation, it was the main form of mobility. But as rowing a gondola proved simpler, gondolas eventually took over from sandoli.
Image Name: The city on the water
The Decline and Protection of the Sandolo
In Venice now, just 20 sandolisti—sandolo rowers—remain compared to 433 gondolieri—gondola rowers. Still, riding a sandolo across the canals provides a different viewpoint on Venues’ past. By negotiating regions where gondolas cannot, Sandoli can provide access to less congested historical sites such the Jewish Ghetto, Ponte dei Greci, and Ponte dell’Olio.
A Family Tradition
Many sandolists have a family history in this art. The daughter of a sandolo rower, Chiara Favaro says riding a sandolo exposes a real Venice. Usually, the abilities and tales are passed on through generations. For instance, at seven years old Luca Padoan began rowing with his grandfather. Now 53, he carries on the legacy by spending time maintaining the boat with the support of his family.
The Future of Sandoli
New rowers are joining the trade even as conventional family engagement is declining. Aspiring sandolists can apply for licensure through contests run by the Municipality of Venice. Applicants have to pass rowing and swimming examinations and finish a professional navigation course to qualify.
For many sandolisti, operating these boats is more than a profession—it’s a passion. Mariano Pozzobon, a sandolista for 30 years, reflects on how friendships led him to this career. Scarpa adds that each boat represents a unique world, passed down with love and dedication. It’s a job that makes one feel truly Venetian.
Experience Venice Like Never Before
Discovering Venice on a sandolo presents a special and real experience. Sandoli can travel into less-traveled parts of the city and into secret channels unlike gondolas. This trip lets you learn about Venice’s rich past and customs from several angles. Selecting a sandolo ride will help you to embrace the past of the city and savor a calm path across its lovely rivers.
Conclusion
In essence, even if gondolas are a famous emblem of Venice, the sandolo offers a distinct approach to discover the hidden beauties of the city. Rich in history, pragmatic design, and family customs, the sandolo presents a unique and real Venetian experience. Riding a sandolo lets you explore a part of Venice that few visitors are able to witness. Your trip across the canals in a sandolo will help you to connect with the past and customs of the city, therefore enhancing your vacation to Venice. Therefore, the next time you visit Venice, take advantage of a sandolo to discover the hidden beauty and rich legacy of the city.
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