Gondolas are traditional flat-bottomed rowing boats most closely associated with the canals of Venice, Italy, where a gondolier propels the boat with a single oar from the stern. Recordings of gondola rides are widely used online as ambience because the mix of water, wood and slow movement is instantly recognisable and calming. Editors reuse the sound for travel content, virtual tours, relaxation videos and scenes set in Italy, where it provides location atmosphere without needing music or narration and helps viewers feel present on the water.