gondola

Gondola most commonly refers to the traditional Venetian boat. It is a long, narrow, flat-bottomed craft used on the canals of Venice. Propulsion is by a gondolier who stands and uses a single oar, guided by a carved wooden oarlock called a forcola. The hull is typically black and features a curved metal ornament called a ferro at the prow. The hull is deliberately asymmetrical to help compensate for the rower’s stance and the canal’s bends. Historically, gondolas were a principal means of transport and ceremonial use, and they have become a lasting symbol of Venice, widely used today for sightseeing and special occasions. A typical gondola is about 11 meters long and can carry up to six passengers in addition to the gondolier.

Gondola lifts are another use of the term. A gondola lift is an aerial cableway in which enclosed cabins or cars are suspended from a moving cable and carried between two terminals, often over mountains or urban terrain. The system operates with towers along the route, a drive mechanism at one end, and safety features such as brakes and backup power. Cabins vary in size and capacity, commonly carrying four to twelve or more passengers per car, depending on the installation. They provide all-weather transport and are used for ski areas, sightseeing, and urban transit where conventional roads are impractical.

Gondola also denotes a type of retail display shelving. Gondola shelving consists of vertical uprights with multiple adjustable shelves, designed for product merchandising in supermarkets and department stores. The term evokes the image of a long, streamlined display unit and is used globally in retail layouts to maximize visibility and accessibility.