The Secret World of Venetian Courtesans Friendinvenice

5.0
(3 reviews)
Venice, Italy

3 hours 15 minutes (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 3 more

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

What's Included

coffee or capucino

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Ponte di Rialto

    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?

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 2
    San Polo

    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.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 3

    )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

    1 hour Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Friend in Venice Private Tours
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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Fashion Tours
Shore Excursions
Fashion Shows
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 3 3 reviews
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