Traghetto
A traghetto is a type of gondola used as a ferry to transport people across the Grand Canal. Because there are only three bridges that link both sides of the canal, the traghetti provide the quickest and cheapest means for crossing. This traditional Venetian watercraft has a shallow hull to allow the boat to be dragged to shore with minimal structural damage, and also to make it easier for people to get in and out of the boat. The shallow hull also offers balance for passengers when standing in the boats, which is a strange concept for most people. When riding in a traghetto, it is customary for the passengers to remain standing.
History of the Traghetto
Traditionally, the traghetti were not confined to transport across the Grand Canal. As can be seen from the traghetti map of 1697, it was also a very common way of getting from island to island in Venice. Compared to 2004, it is important to note that not only are the traghetti strictly in the Grand Canal, but the number of points where someone could take a traghetto decreased from 43 stations to the seven that are presently active.
Traghetti Today
Although the number of traghetti has decreased, they are still used in modern Venice. It is the most practical way to get across the Grand Canal at points where pedestrians are unable to cross by bridge. Using a gas motor would be wasteful and create a wake that would not only adversely affect travel up and down the length of the canal, but cause damage to the canal wall as well. However, the most common traditional boat which can be seen today throughout Venice is the gondola, truly the modern-day symbol of the city.
See Also
References
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Bibliography
- Bigda, Bryan, Michelle Dubuke, Daniel LaTorella, and Jennifer Richards. Museo Arzanà: Preserving the Traditional Boats of Venice. Interactive Qualifying Project, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 2007.
- Candlish, Sean, Craig Shevlin, and Sarah Stout. The Traditional Boats of Venice: Assessing a Maritime Heritage. Interactive Qualifying Project, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 2004.
- Catalano, Brian, Kristen Gervais, and Ryan Sinapius. Preserving the Nautical Traditions and Maritime Heritage of Venice, Italy. Interactive Qualifying Project, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 2005.