How much money does a gondolier make?
Sophia Koch
Updated on June 21, 2026
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Then, how do you become a gondolier?
The aspiring gondolier must be of age and after the training course must pass an exam of competition declared by the Ente Gondola. Passed the competition will be entered in the role of the gondoliers. This is followed by an internship at a professional gondolier, from 6 to 12 months.
Also, what does a gondolier do? It is similar to a canoe. It is propelled by a gondolier, who uses a rowing oar, which is not fastened to the hull, in a sculling manner and acts as the rudder. For centuries, the gondola was a major means of transportation and the most common watercraft within Venice.
Then, do gondoliers own their boats?
It's 11 meters long, weighs 600 kg and is hand built in special workshops called squeri of which there are still a few today. Gondoliers own and maintain their own boats, and the crafts and careers are often passed down from father to son for generations.
Why are gondolas so expensive?
How come Venetian (Venice, Italy) gondola rides are so expensive? Mainly because they can get away with it. The gondoliers belong to a guild which is effectively a closed shop.
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