Paolo Brandolisio bottega, Venice

The forcola, an essential and unique element of a Venetian gondola, holds great significance in Venice. It serves as the oar holder for the gondolier, firmly securing the oar for rowing. Each forcola, along with its corresponding oar, is meticulously crafted and tailored specifically for the gondolier who will use it. Handmade with precision, these forcole are individual works of art, and no two are alike among the approximately 500 gondolas in Venice. The creation process requires detailed knowledge of the gondolier's physical attributes, such as height, weight, and arm length, enabling the manufacturer to craft these specialized components.

Paolo Brandolisio's shop and workshop offer a delightful opportunity to explore the world of forcole. Inside, you can marvel at the craftsmanship of each oar holder, hand-carved from a single block of wood, typically walnut, cherry, or pear. The price for a handmade forcola starts at a minimum of 400 EU, with customization options for wood type and size available at additional cost. Additionally, scaled-down models of forcole, approximately one-third the size of the real ones, can be purchased for around 150 EU, offering a charming memento of this iconic Venetian tradition.