One of the greatest symbols of Providence's renaissance are Venetian-styled gondolas plying Waterplace Park. Lovers gliding along, accompanied only by a gondolier, a picnic basket, and a bottle of wine, have enjoyed the ride through Providence's Waterplace Park for years.

There are two boats, the first, "Cynthia Julia", was built by Emerson Boat Works in Manchester, Massachusetts in 1996 to precise specifications to make it the first authentic replica of a 19th century gondola built in the US. The second, "Cynthia Jacob", was built in Italy, at Venice's Squero of Bonaldo Daniele 1997, and brought to the US. They weigh about a ton apiece, partly due to having over 250 feet of brass trim, but still move easily over the water with the lone gondolier pushing on a 14-foot pole.

After the 36-foot custom-built gondolas were burned by vandals during the summer of 2003, Providence's Mayor Cicilline met with Cynthia and “Marco” Days, the owners of the gondolas, to offer the full assistance of City government, including an economic development loan and space to repair the boats. He also pledged to install a security camera near the boat landing where the gondolas are docked and increase police patrols in that area.

“We’re really grateful that Mayor Cicilline reached out to us and offered his support,” said Cynthia Days. "We’ve had so many wonderful memories here, and it’s nice to know how much the people of Providence value our gondolas.”

Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com

Venetian boat builder Andrea Tagliapietra helped restore the gondolas. Tagliapietra, an expert in restoring gondolas and wooden boats, runs a boatyard in Venice, Italy and Jacksonville, Florida. The Days say Tagliapietra heard about the fire and immediately offered to come to Providence and help restore the boats to their original splendor. They spent the past several months repairing and restoring the custom-built wooden vessels to their original specifications in space provided by the City in the former fire station at LaSalle Square in downtown Providence.

On October 11, the first of the restored boats had its maiden voyage in Waterplace Park, decked with velvet seats and brass trimmings, gliding over the smooth water of the Providence and Woonasquatucket rivers.

“These gondolas are symbolic of Providence’s restoration, and on behalf of the residents of this City, I want to thank the Days’ for deciding to stay in Providence,” said Mayor Cicilline. “Their decision to continue to operate their business here demonstrates their faith in the future of this great City and I assured them I will do everything in my power to help their business thrive.”

Thanks to the assistance of the city of Providence and committed owners, the Venetian-styled gondolas which have brought charm and grace to Water Place Park and the Waterfires will continue to glide across the rivers in downtown Providence.

Visit the Gondola's website at www.gondolari.com or call them at (401) 421-8877. They take groups up to six for half-hour tours from May through October.

Buy this Art Print at AllPosters.com

Johnson Landscaping

Landscape design Renovation Maintenance

greengiant84.net (401) 862-7202

Let our experts make your yard beautiful again!

[an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]