The Secret World of Venetian Courtesans Friendinvenice

5.0 (4 reviews) 3 h 15 min Free cancellation Private tour

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4 reviews

5.0

Venice, this wonderful city rising out of the water was one of the wonders in Europe and during the 15th and 16th century one the richest in the Mediterranean Sea — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The courtesans often received the remuneration for their services from foreign client and deposited the money in the local banks in favor of the entire city economy — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Step into the hidden world of Venice’s legendary courtesans and discover a fascinating side of the Serenissima rarely told in traditional tours.

During this private walking experience, you will explore hidden streets, quiet canals and historic districts while uncovering stories of powerful women, secret romances, political intrigue and the sophisticated social life of Renaissance Venice.

Far from common stereotypes, Venetian courtesans were often educated, influential and deeply connected to the cultural and political life of the city.

Through stories, legends and historical anecdotes, you will discover how these women shaped Venetian society and became part of the city’s mysterious charm.

This experience is designed for travelers looking for a unique, elegant and authentic perspective on Venice beyond the usual tourist routes.

Private walking experience

Discover hidden Venice

Stories of Venetian courtesans and scandals

Elegant storytelling experience

Fully customizable itinerary

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Fashion Tours Shore Excursions

At a glance

Duration: 3 h 15 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Italian, Spanish
Operated by: Friend in Venice Private Tours

What is included

Included

Included: coffee or capucino

Itinerary

Ponte di Rialto

one hour Admission included

Fondamenta del Buso

It was the little dock from where clients took the gondola ferry to go to the red light district.(the word "buso" in Venetian also has the meaning of female sex).Venice, a land of merchants, a port where goods and people from all over the Mediterranean converged, was in fact also known for its beauty. Not the architectural or artistic ones, but those in flesh and blood. Just from "Calle del Buso" opens what could be called the sex itinerary, which allowed the inhabitants of the lagoon and the many adventurers to immerse themselves in the pleasures of the city, including the "graces" of courtesans and prostitutes. In short, the ancient stones of the Rialto Bridge, if they could talk, they would have so many spicy stories to tell to be able to fill a beautiful tome, and maybe even get a good script for a red light film, what do you say?
San Polo

one hour Admission included

The Tits Bridge and ‘Carampane' in Venice

In San Polo in Venice, there is a bridge with a very unique name: the Bridge of Tits. In fact, near the bridge there were several brothels and prostitutes often came to their windows ‘exposing the goods'. At the time of the Venice Republic this was a red light neighbourhood, regulated by the government in a very precise way.

It seems that the government of the Republic imposed prostitutes to show their breasts to entice passers-by; homosexuality was widespread among Venetians and the government tried various ways to counter it.

Also, not far away is the Rio terà of Carampane, another name connected with the oldest profession in the world. In fact, there stood the homes of Mr. Rampani, which were used as a hospice for old and retired prostitutes. In Venetian cà means ‘house', and so from that moment on, the word carampana indicated an old untidy woman, a term which still used today.
La Bauta

one hour Admission included

)Fashion

They were very charming, elegant and fashion trend setters.

Their bright-colored costumes, nice décolleté, nearly naked breasts, with very richly embroidered sleeves, a bavero, a neck piece made of beautiful handmade lace.

They wore elegant “zimarra”, velvet coats with gold buttons, with “vaio” squirrel fur and surcoats lined with “garter fur”, satin or ormesino long skirts. The most famous walked the salizzade and the calli followed by pages and servants and wore precious jewels.

They usually curled their hair and dyed it blond, collecting it with silk ribbon cors in a gold net. They followed the advice of a famous alchemist, the noblewoman Isabella Cortese, who in 1500 published the book "Secreta", dedicated to female cosmetics.

Famous for their appearance, the courtesans were used by artists as models in paintings, especially where female nudity appeared, perhaps in mythological or biblical contexts. There were also numerous paintings that depicted them individually, such as those of Veronica Franco, famous for her poems. Veronica Franco - The luxury and beauty of Venetian courtesans

The coiffure consisted of hair forming 2 crowns decorated with gold and silver and fresh flowers.Extremely high platform shoes (20-inch The Luxury and beauty of Venetian courtesans captured the attention of a large part of the cultured and high-place male world, which spread an almost mythologized image of these women