Gilberto Penzo, Venice

Venice is renowned worldwide for its iconic gondolas, which can be seen gracefully navigating the Grand Canal. However, the lagoon is also home to a diverse array of other boats and ships. One such example is the water-buses, known as "vaporetti". Throughout Venice's extensive history, its inhabitants have constructed numerous types of boats and ships, many of which still exist today as intricate models found in Gilberto Penzo's shop. A globally recognized expert in Venetian ships, Mr. Penzo sells his handmade and one-of-a-kind models to customers around the world, including private individuals and museums. The level of detail in these models is truly astounding.

Located just 300 meters away from the Santa Margherita square, the shop serves as a haven for those fascinated by the history of Venetian shipbuilding and naval traditions. Alongside ship models, the shop also offers kits for building famous Venetian gondolas, allowing enthusiasts to embark on their own craftsmanship journey. For example, one gondola kit consists of 42 pieces, with the finished gondola measuring 50 centimeters in length and scaled at 1:20. Prices for the kits start at approximately 35 euros for a gondola kit. For larger and highly detailed models, the prices can reach several hundred euros, reflecting the meticulous craftsmanship involved.