Activities

Creation of the Forcola with a gondola’s craftsman

Free cancellation

Language: English, Italian

Availability: From Monday to Friday

Mobile voucher accepted

Duration: up to 1 hour

Instant confirmation

Guided tour

Small group

Why you’ll love this…

Enjoy a unique activity to experience Venice as a local
Discover the legendary art of making a Forcola
Learn more about the history and legends associated with gondolas and gondoliers

What to expect

Enjoy an amazing experience with Piero Dri, one of the few artisans that still creates the famous gondola’s Forcola; this is a type of rowlock used by the gondolier to move the boat along the waterways and the Canal Grande. Each forcola is a unique piece since it is specifically designed for its personal gondolier according to his height and rowing needs.

Meet Piero in his workshop in the heart of Venice (5 minutes from Rialto Bridge) and begin your lesson; he’ll show you the procedure used to create this magic item. During the experience he will explain the history, reveal secrets and narrate legends of gondolas and Venetian gondoliers.

In front of your eyes the master artisan will create this unique Venetian artwork that has the actual shape after centuries of experimentation

What's included

Tour with live commentary

Where

Calle dell'Oca, 4231, 30121 Cannaregio, Venice VE, Italy

Meeting point:

- Il Forcolaio Matto - From Campo Santo Apostoli, go straight on Strada Nova until you reach “Campo Santa Sofia". On your left, you will see Santa Sofia Gondola Landing stage. Go right to a narrow street and you will find the workshop “Il Forcolaio Matto”, with a huge Forcola sign outside

What to remember

The activity does not operate in case of exceptional high tide (it can be postponed later or to the day after, otherwise it will be refunded)
The tour will be held in both English and Italian

Provider

Venice Tours

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

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