In ancient Venice prostitution was considered a necessary evil, where more harm would come from a ban than from a de facto acceptance
The “Festa delle Marie” celebrating the liberation of brides abducted by pirates, was an important event in medieval Venice.
“Mezzo (Calle di) in Ruga Giuffa, a S. Maria Formosa.” from Curiosità Veneziane by Giuseppe Tassini
As many people still say about Venice: It’s beautiful, but I wouldn’t live there. Much the same can be said of the past.