Venice is world-renowned for its canals, palaces, and timeless charm—but behind the glitter of La Serenissima lies a secret history of passion, power, and intrigue. On this 1.5-hour walking tour, you will uncover the sensual stories that shaped the city’s Golden Age.
Follow your expert guide through narrow alleys and lively squares where the world of courtesans, brothels, and forbidden love once flourished. Hear how the famous “honest courtesans” captivated noblemen, artists, and politicians, becoming symbols of both desire and influence. Learn about Venice’s government-regulated red-light districts, which made the city notorious across Europe for its tolerance and allure.
Your route passes through some of Venice’s most fascinating sites. Cross the Ponte delle Tette, where courtesans once displayed themselves to entice passersby. Stroll through Campo Santa Maria Formosa, a square steeped in shadowy legends of love and betrayal. Continue to Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, one of the largest and most striking piazzas in Venice, where whispers of forbidden affairs linger in the stones.
The tour ends in Piazza San Marco, the dazzling heart of Venice, where tales of scandal, seduction, and hidden passion once echoed beneath its golden mosaics and elegant arcades.
This is not just a walk—it’s an intimate journey into the untold side of Venice, where history and desire are forever entwined.