Venice Fun Facts: The secret of the gondolas

However, the so-called ‘Ferro da prua’ iron has not only a symbolic but also a practical function, as it optimises the balance of the gondolas. Another interesting fact: in the past, the gondolas in Venice were colourfully and magnificently painted - the more eye-catching, the wealthier the owner. However, at the beginning of the 17th century, a law was passed that restricted the decoration of the gondolas. In order to put an end to the competition between the nobility, the gondolas were only allowed to be painted black. This is why most of the 400 or so gondolas in Venice are still black today.