Squero di San Trovaso is definitely worth checking out for those with even a vague interest in gondolas and their origins. Very much a traditional squero (boat yard), it has the appearance more akin to an Austrian ski chalet than a boat yard. This is because the original builders came from the Italian Dolomites in the 17th century, a time where demand was still high for gondolas and other water vessels. At its peak the boat yard employed up to 60 craftsmen, such was the demand. Now around 10 new boats are built per year, and much of what can be seen is the regular maintenance work on existing gondolas.