{"id":1748,"date":"2025-06-30T10:12:43","date_gmt":"2025-06-30T10:12:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/things-to-know\/"},"modified":"2025-08-05T13:18:15","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T13:18:15","slug":"things-to-know","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/en\/things-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1748\" class=\"elementor elementor-1748 elementor-1293\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bae8d84 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"bae8d84\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;video&quot;,&quot;background_video_link&quot;:&quot;\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/5979191-hd_1920_1080_30fps.mp4&quot;,&quot;background_play_on_mobile&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-video-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<video class=\"elementor-background-video-hosted\" role=\"presentation\" autoplay muted playsinline loop><\/video>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32b18c1 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"32b18c1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-403dc19 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"403dc19\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-107b9ac e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"107b9ac\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff63a35 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ff63a35\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Things to know about Venice\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d8144e6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d8144e6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Venice isn\u2019t just beauty \u2014 it\u2019s ingenuity, history, and mystery. Do you know why it was built on water?<br>What the colorful poles in front of gondolas mean? Or how its buildings have stood for centuries?   <br><br><strong>In this section, you\u2019ll find fun facts and stories that make the world\u2019s most incredible city truly one of a kind.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e31b54 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2e31b54\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4f7bb1f elementor-view-framed elementor-shape-circle elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon\" data-id=\"4f7bb1f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-icon elementor-animation-sink\" href=\"#progetto\">\n\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-arrow-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M413.1 222.5l22.2 22.2c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L241 473c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0L12.7 278.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.2-22.2c9.5-9.5 25-9.3 34.3.4L184 343.4V56c0-13.3 10.7-24 24-24h32c13.3 0 24 10.7 24 24v287.4l114.8-120.5c9.3-9.8 24.8-10 34.3-.4z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6536c32 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"6536c32\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4248ce0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4248ce0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why and When Was Venice Founded?\n\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-38cc343 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"38cc343\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3938e28 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"3938e28\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2cac965 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2cac965\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-11fd8e0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"11fd8e0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>The Birth of Venice: A Tale of Grandeur and Wonder<\/strong><\/p><p>Venice \u2014 known as the &#8220;Most Serene Republic&#8221; or &#8220;Queen of the Adriatic&#8221; \u2014 has captivated visitors from around the world for centuries with its timeless beauty and unmatched charm. But when, and why, was this fascinating city built atop the waters of the Venetian Lagoon? <\/p><p><strong>Legendary Origins<\/strong><\/p><p>The origins of Venice are wrapped in mystery and legend. It is said that the city was born in the 8th century, when people from the mainland sought refuge on the lagoon\u2019s islands to escape the barbarian invasions ravaging northern Italy. According to tradition, the first settlement was founded in 421 AD, though it\u2019s likely that communities existed there several centuries earlier.  <\/p><p><strong>The Founder: Islands and Marshes<\/strong><\/p><p>Venice was established on an archipelago of small islands scattered among the marshes of the Venetian Lagoon.<\/p><p>The early settlers built wooden stilts, and later drove thick wooden poles deep into the marshy ground to create a solid foundation for their homes and daily life.<\/p><p>This unique environment offered natural protection against invaders and allowed its inhabitants to develop a civilization rooted in trade and seafaring.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-acf1916 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"acf1916\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01e062c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"01e062c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;laptop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:120,&quot;sticky_parent&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/verynice_utili_img2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1664\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/verynice_utili_img2.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/verynice_utili_img2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/verynice_utili_img2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/verynice_utili_img2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/verynice_utili_img2-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-001cf1a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"001cf1a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d95875d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"d95875d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f793012 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f793012\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:120,&quot;sticky_parent&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;laptop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/verynice_utili_img1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1663\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/verynice_utili_img1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/verynice_utili_img1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/verynice_utili_img1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/verynice_utili_img1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/verynice_utili_img1-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd9bc77 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"cd9bc77\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8c62928 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"8c62928\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd4dc7f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bd4dc7f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>The Divine Intervention of Saint Mark<\/strong><\/p><p>According to legend, Venice\u2019s destiny was sealed by the divine intervention of Saint Mark. In 828 AD, two Venetian merchants smuggled the body of the Evangelist from the city of Alexandria in Egypt and brought it to Venice, hidden beneath loads of pork meat to evade Muslim inspections.<br>Until the 12th century, the city\u2019s patron saint was Saint Theodore, but with the arrival of Saint Mark\u2019s relics \u2014 and the growing political and religious significance of his figure \u2014 he was gradually replaced.<br>From that moment on, Saint Mark became the spiritual and symbolic guardian of Venice, and the basilica bearing his name, located in the square of the same name, became the ultimate emblem of the city\u2019s power and wealth.   <\/p><p><strong>The Flourishing Medieval Period<\/strong><\/p><p>Venice flourished during the Middle Ages, becoming an unmatched maritime and commercial power. Thanks to its strategic position between Europe and the East, the city became a major hub for trade and culture, accumulating wealth and influence that made it one of the most powerful and influential cities in the world. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3b71c40 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3b71c40\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;shape_divider_top&quot;:&quot;curve-asymmetrical&quot;,&quot;shape_divider_bottom&quot;:&quot;curve-asymmetrical&quot;,&quot;shape_divider_bottom_negative&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shape elementor-shape-top\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-negative=\"false\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 100\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n\t<path class=\"elementor-shape-fill\" d=\"M0,0c0,0,0,6,0,6.7c0,18,240.2,93.6,615.2,92.6C989.8,98.5,1000,25,1000,6.7c0-0.7,0-6.7,0-6.7H0z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shape elementor-shape-bottom\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-negative=\"true\">\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 100\" preserveAspectRatio=\"none\">\n\t<path class=\"elementor-shape-fill\" d=\"M615.2,96.7C240.2,97.8,0,18.9,0,0v100h1000V0C1000,19.2,989.8,96,615.2,96.7z\"\/>\n<\/svg>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e2bae5b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"e2bae5b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How Are Venice\u2019s Buildings Made?\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-73dabd5 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"73dabd5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-566a7d8 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"566a7d8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f5e385a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"f5e385a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cdf596d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cdf596d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Venice is an upside-down forest!<\/p><p>This is the very first thing you need to know before entering the city \u2014 and it will help you make sense of many \u201cwhys.\u201d<\/p><p>Venice was built on a swamp. But how is it possible that its buildings are still standing after centuries?<br>Because Venice is, quite literally, one giant stilt city. <\/p><p>If you could flip the city upside down, you\u2019d see millions of wooden poles, like a forest made of tree trunks without branches. This is what makes Venice truly unique: it was actually built on stilts. <\/p><p>Just imagine \u2014 to build the Rialto Bridge alone, 11,000 wooden poles were planted!<\/p><p>Pine, oak, or larch poles were driven up to 7.5 meters deep into the muddy ground known as caranto. Placed tightly next to one another, the tops were leveled and covered with one or two layers of thick wooden planks. On this wooden platform, stone foundations were then laid to support the buildings.<\/p><p>These poles remain embedded in the caranto in a completely oxygen-free environment. That\u2019s what has allowed them to undergo a mineralization process, preserving them perfectly for centuries \u2014 to this very day.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d0b442 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2d0b442\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8be6ded elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8be6ded\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;laptop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:120,&quot;sticky_parent&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"734\" src=\"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/541-fondamenta.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1666\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/541-fondamenta.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/541-fondamenta-300x215.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/541-fondamenta-768x551.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-001b4f4 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"001b4f4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b314de7 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b314de7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84ddfa6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"84ddfa6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:120,&quot;sticky_parent&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;laptop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1032\" height=\"1279\" src=\"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/arzana_battipali_03.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1665\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/arzana_battipali_03.jpg 1032w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/arzana_battipali_03-242x300.jpg 242w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/arzana_battipali_03-826x1024.jpg 826w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/arzana_battipali_03-768x952.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1032px) 100vw, 1032px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-712cce8 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"712cce8\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-194d55d e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"194d55d\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-86fcf7d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"86fcf7d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>It sounds impossible, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p><p>And yet, the entire city of Venice stands on wooden piles. So when you see a building that leans slightly, it\u2019s likely that part of the foundation has given way under its weight.<\/p><p>In a sense\u2026 Venice is floating.<\/p><p>At water level, the construction of the actual home would begin. If you look closely, you\u2019ll notice a white stone right at the waterline. That\u2019s Istrian Stone (Pietra d\u2019Istria) \u2014 placed between the foundations and the living space to prevent moisture from rising up through the walls.  <\/p><p>The city was built on over 100 islands, all connected by more than 400 bridges.<\/p><p>This is the very first thing to know about Venice. Now you&#8217;re ready to enter.<br>But be careful \u2014 walk lightly, as if you were walking across a rooftop made of old tiles&#8230;<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99a8556 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"99a8556\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-398d59b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"398d59b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">The Gondola\u2019s Comb<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-32e1352 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"32e1352\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b3f16b7 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b3f16b7\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-99cb643 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"99cb643\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6087509 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6087509\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>In the past, gondolas were also used as light combat vessels, and it\u2019s believed that the iron prow was once used to ram enemy boats.<\/p><p>One of the most iconic and recurring symbols you\u2019ll see as you wander through Venice is the gondola\u2019s comb \u2014 that strange-shaped piece of iron at the front of every gondola.<\/p><p>The Gondola\u2019s Comb: A Symbol of Tradition and Functionality in Venice<\/p><p>When you think of the Venetian gondola, one of its most distinctive features is undoubtedly the \u201ccomb\u201d mounted at its prow.<br>This unique shape isn\u2019t just decorative \u2014 it carries with it centuries of history and a practical purpose.<br>Let\u2019s discover why the gondola\u2019s comb looks the way it does, and what it truly represents.  <\/p><p><strong>1. Ancient History<\/strong><\/p><p>The gondola\u2019s comb has ancient origins, dating back to the earliest days of Venice. The first gondolas were made entirely of wood, and the comb was originally designed to protect the bow of the boat, preventing damage during docking and navigation in the narrow canals. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b3f7549 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b3f7549\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f829b45 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"f829b45\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;laptop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;],&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:120,&quot;sticky_parent&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"898\" height=\"1092\" src=\"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Tavola-disegno-4.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1696\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Tavola-disegno-4.png 898w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Tavola-disegno-4-247x300.png 247w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Tavola-disegno-4-842x1024.png 842w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Tavola-disegno-4-768x934.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 898px) 100vw, 898px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-74ab727 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"74ab727\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-402b5d9 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"402b5d9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8349996 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"8349996\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;sticky&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;sticky_offset&quot;:120,&quot;sticky_parent&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;sticky_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;laptop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;mobile&quot;],&quot;sticky_effects_offset&quot;:0,&quot;sticky_anchor_link_offset&quot;:0}\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1642\" height=\"1094\" src=\"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9909-copia.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-1667\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9909-copia.jpg 1642w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9909-copia-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9909-copia-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9909-copia-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/IMG_9909-copia-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1642px) 100vw, 1642px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-94907ea e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"94907ea\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-452456a e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"452456a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-47dbdb2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"47dbdb2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p> <\/p><p><strong>2. Symbolism and Decoration<\/strong><\/p><p>Beyond its practical purpose, the gondola\u2019s comb has, over the centuries, become a symbol of Venetian tradition and identity. Its intricate and decorative shape \u2014 often hand-carved and painted \u2014 adds a touch of beauty and majesty to the boat, reflecting the art and craftsmanship that have always been integral to Venetian culture. <\/p><p><strong>3. Aerodynamic Function<\/strong><\/p><p>Today, despite modern materials and advanced construction techniques, the comb still serves an important aerodynamic function. Its slanted, elongated form helps improve the gondola\u2019s maneuverability, allowing the gondolier to push forward with ease and precision, reducing water resistance and increasing speed. <\/p><p><strong>4. Cultural Heritage<\/strong><\/p><p>In conclusion, the gondola\u2019s comb is not only an iconic feature of Venetian boats, but also a symbol of the city\u2019s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Its shape and design are the result of centuries of tradition and masterful craftsmanship \u2014 and they continue to inspire awe and admiration among Venice\u2019s many visitors. <\/p><p>The gondola\u2019s comb holds important information about the city.<\/p><p>It starts with the six teeth on the left, which represent Venice\u2019s six sestieri (the city\u2019s districts, similar to neighborhoods in other cities): Cannaregio, San Polo, Santa Croce, San Marco, Castello, and Dorsoduro.<\/p><p>Inside the six main teeth, the three small decorations represent the three major islands: Murano, Burano, and Torcello, while the single tooth on the right side represents the island of Giudecca.<\/p><p>The top part of the comb represents the distinctive hat of the Doge, Venice\u2019s historical leader.<br>The arch between the Doge\u2019s hat and the first of the six teeth symbolizes the Rialto Bridge.<\/p><p>Lastly, the S-shaped curve that runs from the highest point down to the water represents the Grand Canal (Canal Grande).<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Things to know about Venice Venice isn\u2019t just beauty \u2014 it\u2019s ingenuity, history, and mystery. Do you know why it was built on water?What the colorful poles in front of gondolas mean? Or how its buildings have stood for centuries? In this section, you\u2019ll find fun facts and stories that make the world\u2019s most incredible [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"elementor_header_footer","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1748","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1748","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1748"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1748\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1749,"href":"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1748\/revisions\/1749"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.verynicevenice.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1748"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}