The Voga alla Veneta is a rowing style used to navigate the iconic gondola, along with every other version of keel-less, rudder-less, flat-bottomed Venetian craft. It has ancient origins that derive from the particular hydrogeological condition of the Venetian lagoon.
The most distinctive feature of Venetian rowing is its style, standing and facing forward, enabled by an oarlock of unique design: known as the forcola, it has evolved into an exquisitely carved piece of walnut or cherry wood with an open cradle which supports the oar for the main stroke.
The forcola style will vary somewhat both from boat to boat, and depending on where it’s positioned. While there are many strokes at the disposal of an accomplished vogatore, it is the shape of the forcola that facilitates their execution, allowing the poppiere to maneuver the craft through complex navigational situations that the intricate lattice work of Venetian waterways presents.