Love & Lust in Venice: A Scandalous Walking Tour
San Polo, Venice
Step into Venice’s hidden past on a 1.5-hour walking tour of courtesans, brothels, and forbidden love. Discover untold stories of passion, power, and seduction in La Serenissima.
Venice Courtesans and Secret Passages Walking Tour
This 1.5-hour walking tour in Venice reveals the city’s secret history of courtesans, brothels, and hidden cultural stories, ideal for history enthusiasts and curious travelers.
Highlights
- Discover Venice’s secret history of courtesans, brothels, and forbidden love
- Learn about the famous “honest courtesans” who influenced art and politics
- Walk through secret passages, historic squares, and notable landmarks
- Experience an intimate, culturally rich tour beyond typical sightseeing
Description
The tour starts at the Accademia Bridge, where you will see a Canaletto painting depicting 18th-century Venice and learn about the social world behind the city’s grandeur. At Campo San Samuele, the focus shifts to theatre as a space of emotion, ambition, and social change, featuring Giacomo Casanova within this cultural context.
Passing through Sant’Angelo and Campo Santo Stefano, the narrative highlights Venetian women—including actresses, musicians, and courtesans—and Antonio Vivaldi’s role in providing women with visibility and independence through music at the Ospedali.
Next, visit the former home of Mariano Fortuny, a symbol of Venice’s legacy of artistic innovation and emotional expression. Nearby, discover hidden architectural details revealing Venice’s secret passages, night encounters, and discreet city movements.
The story of Veronica Franco, a poet and intellectual as well as an honest courtesan, features prominently, illustrating themes of love, desire, and female dignity that continue to resonate. The tour concludes at Rialto Bridge by the Grand Canal, in front of a plaque commemorating Elena Caterina Cornaro, the first woman to earn a university degree.
Includes
- English guided tour
Excludes
- Gratuities for the guide
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water. The best time to join is during the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. Booking in advance is recommended as group sizes are limited.
