For centuries they were the only way to travel, criss-crossing the shallow lagoon and navigating the city’s iconic canals. Today, whilst Venice’s gondolas still glide silently through the waterways few visitors know their history, happy to just enjoy the view or the occasional melodic song of a gondolier.

Look closer, however, and you’ll see that they’re more than just a decorative way to travel. If you know how to read them, they’ll tell you everything you need to know about the city. Here’s how to decode the hidden symbology of the iconic Venetian gondola.