Arts and Crafts - Symbols of Venice: the Squero and the Gondola

Squero may derive from “squara”, indicating a team of people who work together to build a boat, or could be from the Venetian word “squara”, i.e. a “square”, a tool used by shipwrights.

The setting around it is reminiscent of a mountain context and is unusual for Venice.
The wooden buildings at either end are similar to typical mountain houses. Find out why below.

The small door is the only access by land to the Squero of San Trovaso. This arouses great interest among the flocks of tourists who enter here, intrigued by the story of the squero.

As it was long ago, the workshop for the construction of gondolas. Today, for various reasons, only 1 or 2 gondolas are built ex-novo each year. Much of the work done nowadays is for maintenance.

Squero San Trovaso - The importance of Wood
Youth Committee of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO
Months of work and eight different types of wood. This is the reason: most of the craftsmen and the timber came from Cadore, from where the logs were floated along the River Piave.

Tourists enjoy a close-up view thanks to the boats that pass along the Rio de San Trovaso and the Rio del Ognissanti.

An artist paints a picture of the Squero, treasured because it still preserves an age-old tradition.

The wooden structure known as a “cantiér” is the basis of the construction. It is a reverse profile of the keel. The centre line axis, which is not a straight but curved, determines the asymmetrical structure of the gondola.

Reflective glossy paint in the foreground of the gondola. The view point shows the main tools of the squeraiolo (boatbuilder).

Gondolas undergo frequent maintenance as they are exposed to the weather and to prolonged contact with water. These are the result of inserts and reconstruction of damaged parts.

Brackets for gluing wooden inserts used in the various stages of repair.

A historic glimpse of the repair workshop

Just like before... everything is still done with skilled craftsmanship

Deteriorated parts are removed manually, with chisels.

Detail of a “frieze” of the Gondola.

Work station for painting and decorating

A detail during sanding, with fine abrasive paper.

A coat of filler

The work of squeraioli, including the lifting and moving of the boats, is done without winches, using only the sheer strength of their arms.

The hats of the Gondolari...

Originally a simple reinforcement, it became a sign of economic status. In the beginning, the teeth were the heads of the nails used to fix it, and were later enhanced to become an indispensable ornament

Overturned gondolas awaiting restoration.

Aristocrats sensitive to frost and prying eyes could pass unobserved by remaining inside the awnings, which were usually made of wood or fine fabrics.

An example of a cabin made from wood.
This could be placed on the gondola as a shelter for the passengers, providing intimacy during short trips or romantic crossings.

A sign of nobility, the most opulent gondolas were fitted with comfortable leather seats.

The lion, symbol of Venice and the Most Serene Republic, was often depicted to display the power of Venetian domination.

Another example of a stylised lion.