The gondola originated in Venice, Italy, that magical city situated on a series of six islands at the edge of the Adriatic Sea. The “streets” of Venice are waterways, making boats the official transportation choice.

What is the origin of the word gondola?

Etymology. Borrowed from Italian gondola, from Venetian góndoƚa, likely to have derived from Byzantine Greek κοντούρα (kontoúra, “small tail”).

Who created the gondola?

The banana-shaped modern gondola was developed only in the 19th century by the boat-builder Tramontin, whose heirs still run the Tramontin boatyard. The construction of the gondola continued to evolve until the mid-20th century, when the city government prohibited any further modifications.