When you think of Venice, you probably imagine gondolas gliding gracefully through the city’s beautiful canals. However, there’s another lesser-known type of boat called the sandolo that has a rich history and offers a unique way to explore the quieter and hidden parts of Venice.
What Are Sandoli?
Sandoli (plural of sandolo) are ancient boats that have been used in Venice for centuries. They are smaller and simpler than gondolas but have their own charm. Traditionally used by Venetians for fishing, racing, and transporting goods, sandoli have a flat bottom, making them perfect for navigating the shallow waters of the Venetian lagoon.
Here’s what makes sandoli different from gondolas:
- Design: Sandoli have a symmetrical shape, a painted prow, and a flat, open stern, while gondolas are more ornate with an S-shaped bow and iron stern.
- Rowing Style: In a sandolo, the rower stands in the middle, which makes the boat faster and more stable when carrying heavy loads. It can also be rowed with two oars, a method known as voga alla vaesana.
- Purpose: Sandoli were historically used for multiple activities like fishing and hunting, while gondolas were mainly for transportation.
Why Sandoli Are Special
Today, only about 20 sandolisti (sandolo rowers) are left in Venice, compared to over 430 gondoliers. Yet, riding a sandolo is a memorable experience that lets you see Venice in a different way. Sandoli can go into narrower and less crowded canals where gondolas aren’t allowed, giving you a glimpse of Venice’s authentic side.
Chiara Favaro, the daughter of a sandolo rower, says, “When you’re on a sandolo, you see the city through other eyes – a hidden Venice, the authentic one.”
Riding a Sandolo: What You Need to Know
If you’re interested in exploring Venice on a sandolo, here are some important details:
- Operating Hours and Cost: Sandoli operate from nine stations in Venice. From 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, a 30-minute ride costs €90 (about ₹8,000) per boat, which can be shared among up to five passengers. From 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM, a 35-minute ride costs €110 (about ₹9,800).
- Unique Access: Sandoli are allowed to navigate areas where gondolas cannot go, like the Jewish Ghetto, Ponte dei Greci, and Ponte dell’Olio. This allows for a more peaceful and intimate experience of the city.
The Sandolo Tradition
For many sandolisti, rowing a sandolo isn’t just a job; it’s a passion passed down through generations. Luca Padoan, a sandolo rower, says, “I started when I was seven years old with my grandfather. It’s a family business, and I’ve been doing this for 26 years.”
Some young Venetians have chosen other professions, but the love for sandoli continues. The city of Venice even holds competitions for new rowers to qualify as sandolisti. Applicants must complete navigation courses and pass rowing and swimming tests.
Venice’s New ₹440 Entry Fee for Day Visitors
Venice is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, but it’s facing big challenges due to overtourism. The city’s narrow streets and ancient canals get extremely crowded, making life tough for locals and visitors. Plus, the extra traffic is damaging Venice’s historic buildings and waterways. To combat this, Venice is introducing a new entrance fee for day visitors starting in spring 2024.
Why the Entry Fee?
The €5 (₹440) fee aims to reduce the number of day-trippers who come to Venice for just a few hours. Most day visitors don’t spend much money in the city and often contribute to overcrowding without benefiting the local economy. The entry fee will help Venice manage tourism better and protect its heritage.
How Will It Work?
- When: The fee will be tested on 30 busy days in spring 2024, like Easter weekend.
- Who Has to Pay: The fee applies to day-trippers visiting Venice’s historic center. Nearby islands like Murano are excluded.
- Who Is Exempt: Overnight visitors, Venice residents, people coming for work, students at local universities, and children under 14 won’t have to pay.
- How to Pay: Visitors will register on a new online portal and pay the fee via credit card, PayPal, or bank transfer. They’ll receive a QR code that will be checked by authorities. On-the-spot payments will also be accepted.
How Funds Will Be Used
In the first year, the money collected will go toward setting up the payment system and hiring local authorities to check for QR codes. Venice’s main goal is to create a booking system that encourages visitors to come during less crowded days.
Reactions to the Entry Fee
The idea of an entry fee has sparked mixed reactions. Some locals believe it won’t solve the city’s housing crisis or the problem of short-term rentals driving residents away. Anna Scovracricchi, a traditional artisan who moved to Padua, says, “The fee is a joke. The real issue is the lack of housing.”
Others, like tourism experts, argue that limiting the number of visitors would be a better solution. Still, Venice’s city officials insist that the fee is necessary to manage crowds and preserve the city’s unique character.
Exploring Venice in a sandolo offers a special experience that allows you to see the city’s hidden gems. Meanwhile, the new entry fee aims to protect Venice from overtourism and keep it beautiful for future generations. Whether you choose to ride a gondola or a sandolo, Venice’s magic is waiting to be discovered.