Whit a CD of Venetian barcarole performe by Il Pomo d´Oro, conducted by Riccardo Minasi. Of all the trademarks of Venice, none is more ubiquitous than the gondola. In this beautifully illustrated collection, internationaly bestselling author Donna Leon tells fascinanting stories about this famous boat.

First used in medieval Venice as an easily manoeuverable getaway boat, the gondola evolved over the centuries into a floating pleasure palace that facilitated the romantic escapades of the Venetian elite. Now a tourist favourite, the gondola has never ceased to be a part of authentic Venice. Each boat´s 280 pieces are carefully fashioned in a maestro´s workshop-though Leon also recounts a tale of an American friend who decided to make a gondola all on his own, a feat that took five years to complete. But the gondola is a work of art well worth the labour-and the barcarole sung from its prow are no less masterful. The best of these popular songs sung by the gondolieri are included on an accompanying CD, including an exclusive track by Cecilia Bartoli.