The [I 001 / gondola] is ideal for two passengers - a notion embraced by [P 012 / lovers drawn to Venice's romance]. No one is quite sure of the gondola's origins. The very first descriptions, which appeared in the late 11th century, were thought to include all flat-bottomed boats. By the late 15th century, the gondola emerged as a long narrow boat with an elaborate prow and stern. This is evident from paintings at the time.
In 1562, the rich cabin coverings were banned by law in a move to limit private expenditure, as was the decoration on the bow and stern. Woodwork also had to be painted black. These regulations have endured with the exception of gondolas competing in regattas.
By the mid-18th century, a relatively plain modern gondola had evolved with small brass sea horses on either side of the seats, and a [G 13 / ferro] decorated with seven bars on a metal blade. Each of the chairs have one arm and fringed black cushions. The forcola - a rest for the oar - is carved of walnut and varies somewhat in design.
At the end of the 19th century, Domenico Tramontin streamlined the gondola to increase speed and made the starboard half nine inches shorter than the port to allow it to turn on its axis.
