Main Page | See live article | Alphabetical index A gondola is a small long, narrow boat with a high prow and stern, best known for its use in the canals of Venice. In Venice the gondola is usually propelled by one or two oarsmen who stand facing the prow, or by poling. A gondola for passengers has a small open cabin, for their protection against the sun or rain. A sumptuary law of Venice required that gondolas should be painted black, and they are customarily so painted now. A Gondola is also an enclosed carriage used on a ski lift. In the US, a gondola is also a type of railroad car with an open top and enclosed sides used for transporting loose bulk goods. A gondola is also the car of an airship or hot-air balloon. This article is from Wikipedia. All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License.