Trifter

Let me take you to the Rio Terra canal, in Venice, in a curious shop called « Mondo Novo ». Here, Gerrino Lovate hand-paints his colourful papier mâché masks for the so famous carnival. His skill along with the Venitian Tradition will help you find a disguise to your choice. And continuing exploring the narrow alleys of the City of the Doges, your steps will lead you to the Dorsoduro Rio where you will discover the « squero » (repair shop in Italian) of Roberto Tramontin, one of the last four gondolas manufacturers. In his old wood boathouse, he keeps up the ancient family tradition initiated by his great grand-father.

280 wooden pieces of 8 different species (oak, pine, wild cherry, linden, walnut, mahogany, larch and elm) are necessary to build this 10.75 m long flat-bottomed bark. The bows of the gondolas are adorned with an iron part presenting 6 teeth symbolizing the 6 sectors of Venice, the 7th tooth features the Giudecca Island. Since 1630, an edict requires that the boats be painted black although originally, the owners spent a true fortune to decorate them with a riot of colours.

The popular sector of Castello is also very lively. Here the « bambini » play football whilst the « mamas » go and buy these lovely purple artichokes on a gondola lying at the quay.

Close to the Arsenal, fishermen repair their nets, observing the lagoon. And the Giudecca Island seems so quiet in the distance, compared with the agitation of the Grand Canal. The old industrial buildings and workshops of the 19th century have all been transformed into trendy lofts for wealthy antiques dealers and artists. The Castello and Cannaregio sectors are now inhabited by British, French and Russian residents. Only 20 old Venetian families still live in their palaces. Under their arched windows, the gondoliers do not sing the Neapolitan refrains any longer and request incredibly high prices. Nevertheless, for the romantic visitors we all are, a tour in a gondola remains part of the magic of Venice.

Check out my related article, Secret and Sublime Venice

Image source

Image source

Punta della Dogana and the church of Santa Maria della Salute

Castello sector, the entrance of the Arsenal

The Cannaregio sector in venice