It takes a lot of work to become a gondolier

In Venice, where there are no automobiles, the Grand Canal sees 60% of the city's traffic, making it one of Italy's most significant waterways. Even though it's busy, it's not as intense as driving along a busy highway! To visit Venice’s historic center either on foot or on the gondola, a notably romantic means of transportation. The historically significant, exquisitely adorned gondolas of Venice are arguably the city's most well-known icon. The need that these ancient boats be painted entirely black is one of the most interesting facts about Venice and gondolas. The goal of this antiquated rule was to lessen unfair rivalry among the city's numerous gondoliers.

But did you know it's not simple to become a gondolier? Each year, only 3 or 4 new gondolier permits are issued. Gondola manning is a long-standing Venetian custom that was formerly passed down from father to son and is now governed by a stringent training regimen. An apprenticeship with a master gondolier, more than 400 hours of training, and passing a test are requirements for applicants. It should come as no surprise that there are fewer gondolas traveling up and down the canals. During the 17th and 18th centuries, such rivers could hold up to 10,000 gondolas. But in current times only 400 boats, virtually all of which are employed for tourism, are still traveling the waterways