The prow, know as the ferro, at the bow of a gondola is not a random piece of ironwork,
its weight helps to counter balance the gondolier at work at the stern of the boat.
The metal band running down the front has an “S”-shaped curve to it, depicting the path of the Grand Canal as it cuts through the island of Venice.
The six prongs sticking out the front represent Venice’s six 'sestieri', or districts — and the prong facing
backwards symbolizes Giudecca, an island just south of the main Venetian island.

The large flourish above the six prongs echoes the shape of the Doge’s cap.
There is also a little arch that’s made between the flourish and the top of the six prongs,
often referred to as a 'lunette', this symbolizes the most famous of all Venetian bridges - the Rialto bridge.