<P> The gondola is propelled by a person (the gondolier) who stands facing the bow and rows with a forward stroke, followed by a compensating backward stroke . The oar rests in an elaborately carved wooden rest (forcola) shaped to project from the side of the craft so as to allow the slight drag of each return stroke to pull the bow back to its forward course . Because of the vessel's flat bottom it may also be "drifted" sideways when required . Contrary to popular belief, the gondola is never poled like a punt as the waters of Venice are too deep . Until the early 20th century, as many photographs attest, gondolas were often fitted with a "felze", a small cabin, to protect the passengers from the weather or from onlookers . Its windows could be closed with louvered shutters--the original "Venetian blinds". </P> <P> After the elimination of the traditional felze--possibly in response to tourists' complaining that it blocked the view--there survived for some decades a kind of vestigial summer awning, known as the "tendalin" (these can be seen on gondolas as late as the mid-1950s, in the film Summertime (1955)). While in previous centuries gondolas could be many different colors, a sumptuary law of Venice required that gondolas should be painted black, and they are customarily so painted now . </P> <P> It is estimated that there were eight to ten thousand gondolas during the 17th and 18th century . There are just over four hundred in active service today, virtually all of them used for hire by tourists . Those few that are in private ownership are either hired out to Venetians for weddings or used for racing . Even though the gondola, by now, has become a widely publicized icon of Venice, in the times of the Republic of Venice it was by far not the only means of transportation; on the map of Venice created by Jacopo de' Barbari in 1500, only a fraction of the boats are gondolas, the majority of boats are batellas, caorlinas, galleys, and other boats . Now, only a handful of batellas survive, and caorlinas are used for racing only . </P> <P> The historical gondola was quite different from its modern evolution; the paintings of Canaletto and others show a much lower prow, a higher "ferro", and usually two rowers . The banana - shaped modern gondola was developed only in the 19th century by the boat - builder Tramontin, whose heirs still run the Tramontin boatyard . The construction of the gondola continued to evolve until the mid-20th century, when the city government prohibited any further modifications . </P>

What is a famous mode of transport in venice