- Santa Croce - Ponte Della Donna Onesta (the honest woman)
Some courtesans lived and worked in this area.
But who were the courtesans?
There were 2 classes of courtesans:
- Cortigiane Lume, (the courtesan of the light) a lower-class courtesan.
CORTIGIANE DI LUME
Called like this because in order to be recognized and attract customers they ‘d light a candle at the window. They lived in unhealthy hovels and were frequented by the populace.
They wore canvas jackets, shirts and men’s breeches. On their heads they had a veil, which jutted out over the head to cover the entire forehead. The honest courtesans chose the client, as opposed to the light ones that were chosen by the customer.
- Cortigiana Onesta the Honest courtesan
The courtesans called “honest” were defined in this way not for their rectitude, but because they were honored and respected.
They were often born into patrician or merchant families, very well educated and cultivated, they could attend public libraries and they spoke different languages.
They were very independent and many of them were artists, poets, singers and intellectuals with social and conversation skills, intelligence and companionship.
They were very beautiful, with very good manners ready to participate in a variety of topics ranging from Art to Music to Politics.
Some courtesans were very successful, and they could enjoy a very luxury life because they were supported and maintained by their patrons. Moreover, courtesans often went out into society in the company of their protectors, accompanying them in social functions and sometimes even taking the place of their legitimate spouses.
- Coffee or cappuccino
Venice, the astonishing city that emerges from the water, was one of Europe’s marvels, and during the 15th and 16th centuries, it was one of the wealthiest in the Mediterranean, housing approximately 170,000 residents. Over 11,000 of them were courtesans…During the time of the Serenissima, cosmopolitan and bustling Venice provided a rich environment for courtesans. The Republic was not only a pulsating hub of prosperous commercial activity, but also a crossroads for traders, pilgrims, transients, and individuals from foreign lands. Many came to the lagoon attracted by the abundance of priceless relics, and others followed the eastern trails to trade in luxury items. This predominantly male society saw the rapid growth of prostitution. The city government not only regulated this activity but also used it as a mechanism to preserve public order. Let’s delve into the culture of Venetian courtesans.
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