Gondola--Soul of Venice

　　The iron of the head was originally an element of longitudinal stability, which had to balance the weight of the gondolier. The popular tradition wants that the front "pettini" represent the sestieri (six quarters) in which the city is divided and the back one is Giudecca island; the double "S" bending should simulate the proceeding of "Grand Canal" and the lunette, situated under a stylized dogal horn, Rialto bridge.

　　Until few decades ago it was placed in the centre of gondola a cabin of wood movable called "felze," that helps as protection to the passengers during winter time; today it is almost completely out of order as it obstructs the visibility and then it is little indicated for the tourists.