The Splendour of Venice [antikvár]

41 This edition contains new illustrations of palaces. can-iií tind «^ut oi the way corners oi the city, along with [»hotd-jruph.-. (»t pdiniin^ji« art worfes from museums and priv^jit uiii^^tions, tahen ' after restauráljon Th». av nini).inying text underlines the most important points of interest. Venice appear^ illuminaiod inside ^ind out of the buildings where the Republics power left its indelible marb: Mark's Square, the Busilica, the Doges' Palace. In contrast the streets and canals where man and time have had less difficulty The gondola is long, narrow and asymmetrical: it slides through the water with a zigzag motion the gondolier manipulates to steer the boat. The name "gondola" was first recorded in 1094 and, by the eighteenth century, its present form and dimensions (11.5 meters long and 1.4 meters wide) had already been established. It has a decorative prow, called the ferro, and another piece of decorative metal at the stern, both of which are quite elaborate. Gondolas are often adorned with sea horses, with wooden planfes painted with floral patterns, or with a feize or covered cabin. They can also be upholstered in blacfe felt and decorated with tassels and cords. In the eighteenth century, there were more than 10,000 gondoliers; today there are approximately 500. For many writers and other famous people who have chosen to spend time in Venice, "a gondola ride" has always symbolized the city's spirit - and a chance to liberate one's soul from daily routine. There is no doubt that lying bacfe on pillows, listening to the sound of the oars slicing through the water and the calls of the gondoliers, while gliding past the bacbdrop of noble architecture, contributes to an incomparable feeling of inner peace. 7