The origin of the gondola is shrouded in mystery, but historians have traced records back to 1094, when Doge Vitale Faliero mentioned a Gondolum in a letter to the people. To prevent a revolt, he gifted the people gondola-like boats to help ease their travels within the town.

The first visual depiction of a gondola was brought to the fore during the 1400s by famed artists Carpaccio and Bellini in paintings that have been preserved. It was therefore in the 15th century that we know for certain that gondolas were built and used to navigate Venice’s many canals.