Venice, also known as La Serenissima (Most Serene), has fascinated people from all over the world for centuries. Putting aside its storied history, famous masquerade balls during Carnevale and its stunning architecture, it is primarily recognized as the floating city with transportation only available on boats which travel along its many canals.

While there are different types of boats which transport commerce and people, the most famous are the gondolas. They have been plying these canals since the 11th Century. As trade and the population increased, more boats were needed and the boatmen that moved the boats, especially the gondolas used for narrower canals, became more specialized.