In ancient Venice prostitution was considered a necessary evil, where more harm would come from a ban than from a de facto acceptance
“S. Polo (Sestiere, Campo, Salizzada, Ponte, Rio)” from Curiosità Veneziane by Giuseppe Tassini
“Paglia (Ponte della)” from Curiosità Veneziane by Giuseppe Tassini
“Carampane” from Curiosità Veneziane by Giuseppe Tassini
The now almost extinct Venetian language was once widely spoken around Europe, and some Venetian words have survived.
“Frezzarìa” from Curiosità Veneziane by Giuseppe Tassini