Cover Image Credits: Pixabay
Italy went through a lot of changes in the past six months that changed the face of Venice in many ways. Some of these changes made the otherwise busy canals of Venice restore its beauty. Apart from that, a new change has been introduced by the Venetian authorities. This time, in the functioning of Venice’s famous gondolas. As per this change, Venice reduced the carrying capacity of gondolas from six passengers per boat to five. Recently, something has been weighing down the iconic gondolas of Venice and for a change, the outbreak of COVID’19 is not to be blamed.
The Reason Behind Venice Reducing Carrying Capacity Of Gondolas
Image Credit: Ruth Archer for Pixabay
Changes have been made in the seating capacity of gondolas. The authorities have reduced the carrying capacity of da nolo gondola from 6 passengers to 5 and of da parada gondola from 14 to 12. Apparently, the problem lies in the growing weight of the passengers. Andrea Balbi, the president of Venice’s gondoliers association said, “It’s true that compared to 10 or 15 years ago, tourists weigh a bit more.” It was seen that due to being overloaded, the hull sank and water started sipping in the gondolas.
Initially, the system used to weigh every passenger since they had drawn a weight limit. Now, the weight limit has been withdrawn and a limit has been put on the number of passengers allowed in a boat. With this new solution, the gondolas are open for all types of passengers and also saved the system the trouble of putting a weight limit. At present, they have 433 gondoliers and 180 substitutes in Venice. Boats like da nolo gondola were anyhow made for a seating capacity of 5 people.
The Importance Of Venice’s Famous Gondolas
For a major part of history, Gondolas in Venice were primarily used for transportation. These flat-bottomed boats covered the canals of the city. However, over time, these were shaped with ornate carvings to become an important vessel of tourism in Venice. Nowadays, Gondola rides are one of the top things to indulge in Venice. They are ideal to witness the many charms of Venice. All of these gondolas are painted black and are beautifully designed to strike the charm of any traveler. There are usually two types of gondolas, traditionally styled and Traghetti.
Further Read: Venice Plans To Segregate Its Locals & Tourists For Ensuring Sustainable Tourism
With a new law in order, the functioning of gondolas in Venice will change and it will be a new step into the many ways the city has changed this year. Post lockdown, the canals are clearer and the gondoliers are ready to row the boat with the reduced carrying capacity of gondolas in Venice. All of this paints a better picture of holidays in Venice.
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A true stargazer, an enthusiastic traveler, and a free-verse poet, Saumya sees the world in-between pages and pathways. She is always up for a travel plan, dark chocolates, and photo walks. Creative and quirky just constantly run through her head. Moreover, she has a flair for storytelling through video-making but that is still a work-in-progress.
