During the last years, the world of the gondola has stirred up a certain amount of interest in the editorial world, perhaps because of the peculiarity of this boat, perhaps because in the eyes of the tourist, the gondola is one of the more important, if not the most important symbol of Venice.

On the other hand, the gondolier seems to be often pushed into a secondary and complementary role to this famous boat; and as proof, we find almost no publications relating to him, with the exception of the occasional article which sporadically appears in newspapers or magazines.

The hidden world which revolves around the gondola and the gondolier is a multi-faceted microcosm of habits, uses and customs, and even if appearing sometimes anacronistic, is nothing more than the transposition of a medieval reality that has been adapted to the needs of present times.

It is a world that even though undergoes continuous changes, has in many aspects passed undamaged or perhaps it is better said, surpassed the numerous social events that have left a mark, whether positive or negative, on the social life of the last two centuries, and from which it has emerged not only stronger, but also jealously guarding its unassailable privileges.

It is certainly not the aim of this small book to codify this interesting lifestyle, as its vastness and complexity would require a detailed study, almost encycolpedic, that would take into account not only our present, but also the thousand year history that the gondola carries behind her.

Therefore, it is only with the idea of bringing the tourist closer, and why not even the citizen, to the world of the gondola and the gondoliers that this mostly photographic publication, correlated with various notes, is determination to get to know them better, they who are also the custodians of traditional venetian life.

I hope, therefore, that this small guide can be a reminder of your pleasant stay in Venice.