Remove the sewers from the city, all will be filled with stench.
Remove the harlots from of the city, all will all be filled with lust.
THIS IS THE CATALOGUE of all the principal and most honoured Courtesans of Venice, their names, and the names of their go-betweens, and the rooms where they live, and even more it tells you about the district where their rooms are, and also the amount of money that those Gentlemen have to pay, who wish to enter into their grace.
To the very magnificent and courteous Lady, Livia Azalina, my patron and most obsequious mistress.
It is customary for all those who bring some work to light to dedicate it either to Princes or to people who are excellent in the profession of which the work deals, the former for their own gain and profit and the latter for the reputation and honour of the one who dedicates such a work to them. Having therefore drawn up a summary or rather catalogue, if not of all the Courtesans of this City, at least as many as I could, of the most honoured and famous that can be found, however it seemed to me that I had no thought of any gain other than your grace to dedicate to you, my lady friend, my present labour which will be supported by your courtesy with that cheerful spirit that you usually show towards each one who faithfully serves you, the true reason why I have made the choice of your person among all the noble Courtesans, so the world can clearly know you, I will not stop saying that in addition to my affectionate servitude, seeing You as the pinnacle of beauty, virtue and good creations as Princess of all the Venetian Courtesans, I dedicate and consecrate this small effort to you which under your honoured name will certainly go to every place, I kiss your honoured hands, and I commend myself to your good grace.
Of Your Ladyship
the Most affectionate servant A. C.
1. | Anzola Trivisana, on the canal behind Barba Frutariol, go-between Madalena del Prete at the ferry at San Felice | SCUDI 4 |
2. | Alvisa, going towards the Frari at the Ponte dei Saoneri, go-between Chate Schiavona at Santa Catarina | 2 |
3. | Anzola Bechera, at the Ponte di Latteri, go-between Medea at San Giobbe | 1 |
4. | Antonia, lives in Ruga Giuffa, go-between her-self, pay | 2 |
5. | Andriana, at San Barnaba in Ca’ Zane, go-between Meneghina Grega | 2 |
6. | Andriana, at the Maddalena near the ferry, go-between Cate Schiavona in whatever way | 1 |
7. | Attallante, at the Maddalena, go-between Constanza at the Ponte Storto | 1 |
8. | Anzola Spadera, who lived in Biri, at Santa Catarina, go-between Menega lives in Biri | 6 |
9. | Andriana Favreta, at San Fantin, go-between Marieta Bassa in Calle dell’Aseo | 2 |
10. | Andriana Zen, at Santa Fosca in the houses of the Scuola Grande della Carità, go-between her-self | 1 |
11. | Andriana Shiavonetta, at Santa Fosca, married woman, go-between Catarina her mother to get a return | 1 |
12. | Antonia Borella, in the parish of San Trovaso, go-between the wife of the boatman who lives below | 8 |
13. | Anzola Stampadora, at Santa Catarina, go-between her-self | 1 |
14. | Amabilia, lives at Santa Marina, go-between her-self | 1 |
15. | Aquilina Veronese, sister of Amabilia, lives at Santa Marina, go-between her sister | 1 |
16. | Andriana Spadera, in Spadaria above the pharmacist of the Bucintoro, go-between her mother | 1 |
17. | Anzola Bel occhio, at Santa Catarina, go-between the boatman Jacomo dal Intelletto who ferries nearby | 1 |
18. | Agnesina, a Santa Catarina, go-between Meneghina her neighbour | 6 |
19. | Amabilia Verzotta, at the Ponte de Noal, go-between her-self | 1 |
20. | Antonia Spagnuola, at the Servi di Maria, go-between one of her servants | 6 |
21. | Antonia Marcelina, lives at Sant’Antonin, go-between the boatman’s wife who lives below | 3 |
22. | Antonia Bonella, lives at Santa Catarina, go-between Mattio boatman who ferries nearby | 3 |
23. | Andriana Burchieretta, lives at Santa Catarina, go-between her-self | 2 |
24. | Antonia Zotta, on the Fondamenta del Ghetto, go-between her-self | 4 |
25. | Anzola Pesta la Salsa, at S. Tomà at the ferry, go-between her-self | 1 |
26. | Aurelia Poca terra, at the Frari, in the houses of Ca’ Contarini, go-between Cristofolo labourer in the square | 1 |
27. | Anzola Vedora, at the Frari, in the houses of Ca’ Contarini, but she is a bit old, go-between her-self | 1 |
28. | Anzola Muranese, lives at S. Marcuola in the canal by means of Medea, go-between the thresher | 1 |
29. | Anzola Becchera, at S. Gerolamo, go-between her-self | 1 |
30. | Betta Contessa, at the Gesuati in the fondamenta, go-between the boatman who lives below | 1 |
31. | Bertolina Ruosa, at Santa Agnese at the Ponte de Mezzo of the gambling house go-between Marieta Grega at S. Trovaso | 1 |
32. | Baffe Sorelle, at S. Simion grande, go-between her mother | 1 |
33. | Betta Facchinetta and her sister, at Santa Catarina, go-between mr. Zaccaria boatman who ferries nearby | 1 |
34. | Bettina Padoana, at the Ponte dell’Aseo, go-between Elena in Calle della Lanza a S. Gregorio | 1 |
35. | Bettina Sabionera, at Santa Margherita by means of the baker, go-between his wife | 1 |
36. | Betta, at S. Marziale, go-between Chate called Schiavona | 1 |
37. | Bettina, at Santa Ternita, go-between her-self | 2 |
38. | Betta Linariola, at S. Barnaba, go-between one of her servants | 2 |
39. | Bianca, at Madonna dell’ Orto, go-between her-self | 6 |
40. | Betta Lavandera, lives at Santa Maria Formosa in Calle Longa, go-between her god-mother the mirror-maker nearby | 2 |
41. | Bortola Becchara, at San Giobbe, go-between her-self | 1 |
42. | Chiaretta Barbiera, at San Felice go-between her mother Lugretia | 6 |
43. | Cornelia Guantera, at Santo Apostolo, married woman, go-between Lucia her servant | 4 |
44. | Catarinella Furlana, in Biri, go-between Menega of Biri | 8 |
45. | Catarinella, at Santa Catarina, go-between her servant | 4 |
46. | Casandra, in Biri, go-between Gironimo Milanese | 8 |
47. | Catarinella, at the Carmini in the new houses, go-between Angelica a San Barnaba | 2 |
48. | Candiana di Martini, at Santo Agustino, go-between her sister in the house | 4 |
49. | Chiaretta da Leze, in the Corte dei Muti, go-between Pasqua her servant | 10 |
50. | Cornelia Murlaquetta, at Santa Sofia, go-between Betta daughter of Maria at Santi Apostoli in Ca’ Michiel | 4 |
51. | Cornelia Briana, at Santa Maria Maggiore in the houses of Ca’ Capello, go-between her brother embroiderer | 1 |
52. | Cornelia Granda, at San Lorenzo, for on month continuous, go-between Elena dalle Acque and her sister | 15 |
53. | Cornelia Schiavonetta, at Santa Fosca with risk of dirt/decay, go-between her mother Catarina | 1 |
54. | Cornelia Zorzi, at Santa Catarina in paludo in Ca’ Moro, go-between Cate Schiavona | 1 |
55. | Chiaretta Padovana, at the Ponte dell’Aseo, knock on the door, talk to her mother, pay what you want | – |
56. | Cornelia del Stefani, at Santa Agnese, go-between Marta at S. Vio | 6 |
57. | Chiara Buratella, on the Giudecca the dark side, go-between Laura Grassa on the Fondamenta della Carità, and Anzolo boatman | 2 |
58. | Caleghere, at Santa Catarina who lived at Santa Croce, go-between knock on the door | 3 |
59. | Chiara Francese, at Santa Catarina, go-between Jacomo boatman | 2 |
60. | Cornelia Stampadora, at Santa Catarina, go-between her-self | 1 |
61. | Catarina Caleghera, at San Fantin half-way besides the church, go-between her mother | 4 |
62. | Cornelia Casa Vechia, at Santa Maria Formosa in Calle Lunga, go-between her mother | 2 |
63. | Cornelia Pesta la Salsa, at San Simion Grando, go-between her aunt Anzola | 18 |
64. | Catarina Caleghera, at Santo Apponal, bo-betweens the labourers in the square | 2 |
65. | Chiara Buranella, at San Trovaso in the parish, go-between her mother Catarina | 2 |
66. | Catarina da Todi, married woman at San Vio, go-between her servant | 1 |
67. | Camilla, woman of the nephew of the parish priest of San Pantalon, lives at Santa Margherita, go-between her-self | 1 |
68. | Cicilia, at the Ponte dei Assassini, go-between her mother Doratia | 1 |
69. | Cicilia Zotta, at the Ponte dell’Aseo, go-between Catarina her servant | 2 |
70. | Catarina Granda, at Santa Maria Zobenigo, go-between her mother Elena | 4 |
71. | Catarina Petenera, in Biri, go-between Menega of Biri | 2 |
72. | Cornelietta, at Sant’Alvise go-between her self | 1 |
73. | Cicilia Caraffa, at San Tomà, go-between her servant | 20 |
74. | Calidonia, at Santa Catarina, go-between her self | 2 |
75. | Chiaretta Pisana, lives at the Ponte dell’Aseo, go-between her mother Orsa, plays and sings for entertainment | 1 |
76. | Cornelia Niza, lives at the Frari, go-between the woman Menega wife of a boatman at San Barnaba | 10 |
77. | Chiaretta dal Figo, at Santo Antonin, go-between Antonia wife of a boatman nearby | 1 |
78. | Catarina Tajapiera, lives at Santa Catarina in Ruga dei Do Pozzi, go-between her brother Zorzi | 1 |
79. | Catarinella, who lived at SS Giovanni e Paolo, lives at Santa Catarina, go-between herself | 4 |
80. | Diana dai Colombini, in borgo di San Trovaso, go-between Anzolo Pesta la Salsa | 4 |
81. | Diamante, who lived at Santa Catarina lives at Ponte dei Bareteri, go-between Chate schiavona | 1 |
82. | Diana ditta la Fuina, in the Rio delle Fornase at the plank wall, go-between her mother | 2 |
83. | Diana di Checa pugiese, a San Martin, go-between her mother | 2 |
84. | Diamante, in Frezzeria, go-between her-self | 1 |
85. | Elena da Canal, at the Maddalena at San Marziale | 2 |
86. | Elena Senese, at the Ponte de Noal, go-between her mother | 2 |
87. | Elena Driza, at Santa Sofia, go-between her servant | 8 |
88. | Elena Balbi, in Frezzeria, go-between her servant | 2 |
89. | Elenetta, lives at Santa Catarina in Ruga dei Do Pozzi, go-between Chate Schiavona nearby | 2 |
90. | Elena Rossa, lives at Santa Maria dei Servi, go-between her mother | ½ |
91. | Elena Granda, at San Trovaso, go-between Laura Sporca nearby | 2 |
92. | Elena, at San Moisè at the start of Calle della Ternita, go-between her self | 2 |
93. | Felicita Trevisanella, lives at Santi Apostoli, go-between Madalena del Prete at the ferry at San Felice | 8 |
94. | Faustina, in the parish of San Trovaso, in the houses of Ca’ Mocenigo, go-between her mother | 1 |
95. | Franceschina Barcariola, at San Marziale, go-between Chate Schiavona | 1 |
96. | Franceschina Tron, at S. Luca in Corte delle Campane go-between her-self at her choice | 1 |
97. | Franceschina Morella, at S. Benetto, go-between her servant | 1 |
98. | Franceschina Ragusea, lives at San Marco, go-between her-self | 2 |
99. | Franceschina Verzotta, at the Ponte de Noal, go-between mr. Zorzi cloth weaver nearby | 1 |
100. | Franceschina, at the Ponte de Noal, go-between Denton in her/his house | 1 |
101. | Franceschina Sara, at Santi Apostoli under Ca’ Corner, go-between the linen maker below | 2 |
102. | Franceschina Stampa, at San Francesco dalla Vigna behind the church, go-between Francesco da Siena lives at San Barnaba | 7 |
103. | Franceschina Zaffetta, from Padova, lives in Cannaregio near the Ponte di Legno, near the baker, go-between her mother Madalena and Margarita Schiavona her servant lives in the ‘Paradise’ houses, pays rent of scudi 40 | 6 |
104. | Faustina, at Santa Catarina, go-between her self | 1 |
105. | Franceschina di Giacesi, lives at Ponte di Noal above the wine tavern, go-between wine seller below | 2 |
106. | Franceschina, at the Ponte de Ca’ Marcello, the dark portico, go-between her self | 1 |
107. | Felice Pottona, at Santa Catarina, go-between mr. Alvise boatman at Rialto her step-father | 4 |
108. | Gratiosa Cornera, at Santa Catarina, go-between Angelica at San Barnaba | 2 |
109. | Giulia Balbi, in Calle dell’Aseo, go-between her mother | 2 |
110. | Giulia Tode, at San Paternian, risk of [hair,skin,leather], go-between Lugretia Zotta | 2 |
111. | Gratiosa dal Quarto, at Santa Catarina in Ruga, go-between herself | 1 |
112. | Giulia del Mido, at Santa Catarina, go-between herself | 1 |
113. | Giulia Fornera, at Santo Alvise in the houses of Ca’ Giustinian, go-between Chate Schiavona | 10 |
114. | Giulia Stravacina, in Calle dell’Aseo, go-between Marietta Baffa nearby | 1 |
115. | Giulia Barcaruola, in Campo dell’Erba, married woman, go-between Chate Schiavona | 1 |
116. | Geronima di Alvisa da Piasenza, at San Bernaba half-way besides the church, go-between Marta Visentini | 8 |
117. | Giulia Festina, at San Gerolamo, go-between donna Chate supplier of servants a Santa Margherita in Corte del Forner | 15 |
118. | Giulia Rosà, at Santa Giustina, go-between her-self | 6 |
119. | Gratiosa Vilanella, lives at Santa Catarina, go-between her mother | 1 |
120. | Giulia, at the Maddalena towards the ferry, go-between her mother | 1 |
121. | Imperia Zotta, at San Stae, go-between Angelica mentioned | 1 |
122. | Isabella, who lived at the ferry of San Felice, lives at Santa Catarina, with whom one does not haggle to be good, go-between her mother Laura | — |
123. | Isabella called Folega, at San Tomà, go-between Imperia Zotta di San Stae | 1 |
124. | Ipolita Zudia, at the Misericordia, go-between herself | 4 |
125. | Isabella, at the Crociferi, go-between herself | 6 |
126. | Isabella Casa Vecchia, at Santa Maria Formosa in Calle longa, go-between her mother | 2 |
127. | Isabella Bell’occhio, at Santa Catarina, go-between Jacomo boatman nearby | 10 |
128. | Isabella Todesca, a San Fantin al Ponte dei Assassini, go-between her servant | 1 |
129. | Ipolita Padoana, at the Ponte dell’Aseo, go-between her-self at her choice | 4 |
130. | Ipolita Zotta, at Santi Apostoli, go-between the one who lives below | 1 |
131. | Isebella Brunetta, lives at San Beneto in the hosues of Ca’ Zorzi, go-between her mother | 6 |
132. | Liria Azzalina, at San Marziale, go-between Maria Visentina et Meneghina, lives Corte da Ca’ Badoer at the Ponte dei Assassini | 25 |
133. | Lucietta Brunella, lives at San Gregorio who lived at San Marcuola, go-between Laura called Grassa | 15 |
134. | Libera, at Santa Margherita on the corner in the red houses, go-between blacksmith Piero dal Spadon in the square | 2 |
135. | Laura Stradiotta, in Calle de la Testa at SS Giovanni e Paolo, go-between herself | 2 |
136. | Lugrezia Camera, at Ponte della Panada, go-between Lucia her servant | 2 |
137. | Lugrezia Barcariola, in Rio de San Polo, go-between Elena dalle Acque | 2 |
138. | Lodovica Stella, at San Barnaba behind the church, go-between her servant | 4 |
139. | Letitia Parisotta, at San Barnaba, go-between her-self | 2 |
140. | Laureta Picola, at Santa Catarina, go-between herself | 1 |
141. | Lucieta Trevisana, at Santa Soffia, go-between her mother | 2 |
142. | Lucieta Caleghera, lives in Rio Marin al Ponte della Latte, go-between her self | 4 |
143. | Laura Grassa, at San Luca, go-between her neighbour | 1 |
144. | Laura Granda, at Santa Maria Zobenigo, go-between her mother Elena | 1 |
145. | Lugretia Spagnola, lives in Ruga at Santa Catarina, go-between her-self | 4 |
146. | Lugretia dal Vanto, alli Crociferi, go-between Mattio boatman ferries at San Benetto | 2 |
147. | Lauretta Cavalcadora, at Santo Aponal, go-between her son who lives in the house, pay what you want | — |
148. | Lucieta Bizara, live at Santa Croce, go-between the labourer mr. Antonio dall’Ogio, lives below | 3 |
149. | Lugretia Mortesina, in Castello, go-between her-self, pay what you want | — |
150. | Lucietta Cul Streto, lives at San Giuseppe, go-between Isepo greengrocer nearby — Hungarian | 2 |
151. | Lucietta Medeghina, lives at San Giacomo dell’Orio, go-between donna Marcolina wife of blacksmith nearby | 2 |
152. | Ludovica Franchina, lives at San Benetto, go-between her-self | 2 |
153. | Ludovica, who lived at Santo Stefano, lives at Santa Catarina in new houses, go-between her self | 2 |
154. | Lucietta dall Osso Pagan ditta Bernarda, lives at the Crociferi, go-between the boatman who lives below | 7 |
155. | Lucietta Burche, at San Tomà, go-between her mother | 1 |
156. | Lucietta, lives at the Crociferi, go-between her-self | 2 |
157. | Lugretia Barabagola, at San Barnaba, go-between one of her neighbours | 1 |
158. | Lugretia Favreta, at San Gregorio, go-between Oliva Frizi fish(sic!) at San Barnaba | 1 |
159. | Laura, in Corte delle Campane at San Luca, go-between her-self | 1 |
160. | Lugretia, at the start of the Sottoportego de la Vicenza,, go-between her sevant | 4 |
161. | Letitia, at Santa Catarina, go-between one of her neighbours | 1 |
162. | Laura Muranese, at San Marcuola by means of Medea, go-between her-self | 1 |
163. | Lugretia di Colti, at Santa Sofia, go-between the thresher | 2 |
164. | Lucietta Potona, at the Ponte del Agnello, go-between mr. Alvise boatman at Rialto her step-father | 1 |
165. | Marietta Grega, lives at San Marcuola, go-between Lugretia lives at San Giovanni in Bragora | 4 |
166. | Marina Libera, in the Rio de San Lorenzo, go-between the boatman who lives below | 4 |
167. | Madalena Mastelera, in Rio Marin, go-between her-self | 6 |
168. | Marietta Gazeta, at Sant’Angelo at the Ponte dei Assassini, go-between her mother | 2 |
169. | Marietta Velera, in Rio Marin by means of the baker, knock on the door pay what you want | — |
170. | Marietta, in Barbaria delle Tole, go-between her mother | 1 |
171. | Marietta Grega, in Biri, go-between Maria Visentin | 4 |
172. | Madalena Muschiera, at San Lio behind the church, go-between knock on the door and walk upstairs | 1 |
173. | Marietta Formento, under Ca’ Pesaro a San Benetto, go-between herself | 1 |
174. | Marietta Longo, in Calle di Santa Catarina, go-between knock on the door and give her [sic!] | 1 |
175. | Marietta, at San Giacomo dell’Orio, and lived at Santa Catarina half-way besides the church, go-between her mother | 1 |
176. | Marietta Bombardona, at Ponte dell’Aseo in the Corte de Ca’ da Lezze, go-between one of house servants | 2 |
177. | Marietta Vespa, a San Gerolamo in the houses of Ca’ Moro, go-between her-self | 6 |
178. | Marina Borgognona, lives at San Felice, go-between her self | 1 |
179. | Madalena de Jacomo dai Ormesini, a San Simion Grando, go-between one of her servants | 4 |
180. | Moresina, in Biri, go-between Chate Schiaona ditta | 1 |
181. | Momola, a San Benetto, go-between her-self | 1 |
182. | Marina Briconi, at Santi Apostoli, go-between her servant | 4 |
183. | Marietta Linariola, at Santa Maria Maggiore, go-between Antonio de Lunardo nearby | 1 |
184. | Marietta di Donna Antonia grega, in Ruga Giuffa, go-between her mother | 3 |
185. | Nicolosa, at San Fantin, go-between her self | 1 |
186. | Orsetta Ragusea, at San Benetto, go-between her mother Franceschina a San Marco | 6 |
187. | Orsetta mi nol vogio, in Biri, go-between Lugretia her servant | 2 |
188. | Ottavia, in Ruga dei Do Pozzi a Santa Catarina, go-between her mother | 1 |
189. | Orsetta dal Sal, at the bridge in Calle del Megio, go-between Chiara at Malcanton | 10 |
190. | Ottavianella, at Santa Catarina, go-between her mother | 1 |
191. | Orsetta Poca Terra, at the Frari in the houses of Ca’ Contarini, go-between Christofolo labourer in the square | 2 |
192. | Paula Franca, at Santa Maria Formosa, go-between her self | 2 |
193. | Paulina Padoana, at the Ponte dell’Aseo, go-between Maria Visentina | 4 |
194. | Pasqua Misocca, lives at the Two Bridges, go-between her servant | 2 |
195. | Paula Pisana, at the Ponte dell ‘Aseo, go-between her mother | 10 |
196. | Paula Traversa Tonda, lives at Santa Giustina, go-between Andriana Murera at San Fantin | 5 |
197. | Paulina Filla Canero, a Santa Lucia, go-between one of her servants | 30 |
198. | Samaritana, at the corner of Rio Marin, go-between Jacomo boatman who ferries at SS Giovanni e Paolo | 4 |
199. | Tulia Balina, lives at Santa Catarina behind the church, go-between Lucia her aunt | 10 |
200. | Todra Cuci, at the Ponte dei Frari, go-between the thresher | 1 |
201. | Vienna Borella, in the parish of San Trovaso, for eight days, go-between the boatman who lives below | 15 |
202. | Vassalea, at Santi Apostoli in the houses of Ca’ Bembo, go-between Chate Schiaona | 2 |
203. | Vicenza Buranese, at San Tomà, go-between her-self | 2 |
204. | Veronica Franca, at Santa Maria Formosa, go-between her mother | 2 |
205. | Viena, lives at Madona del Orto, go-between her servant | 6 |
206. | Vetorella Bella man, at San Barnaba, go-between her neighbour nearby | 3 |
207. | Violante Senese, at the Madalena, go-between Costanza at the Ponte Storto | 4 |
208. | Viena, at San Felice down the brigde in the attic above in the new houses, go-between the wife of the window-maker below | 1 |
209. | Viena, at Santa Catarina at the start of the Ruga, go-between Chate Schiavona | 2 |
210. | Zanetta Buranella, in the parish of San Trovaso, go-between her mother Catarina | 2 |
The number of these Ladies is 215, and whoever wants to be friends with all of them must pay gold scudi 1200.
I have faithfully taken the above List from a similar print, which appears to be from the 16th century, favoured to me by the kindness of the noble Mr Giulio Abbot Molin (*).
(*) Please note that the aforementioned note is by the copyist himself. — Moreover, this Catalog or List, whose edition made in Venice in the 16th century (in 8º without indication of place, year and printer) is very rare, is reproduced here taken from the aforementioned handwritten copy contained in Miscellanea 2483 of the Cicogna Collection in the Museo Correr of Venice.
Source
Leggi e memorie venete sulla prostituzione fino alla caduta della Republica, a spese del conte di Oxford, 1870-72. Venezia, Tipografia del Commercio di Marco Visentini, 1872.
The note above is most likely by Giambattista Lorenzi of the Biblioteca Marciana, compiler of the texts in the cited work, as it results from its preface.
For a brief discussion of this list, see A catalogue of Venetian prostitutes, related comments, and of the cited work, An authorless book.
For the original Venetian text, see Catalogo di tutte le principal et più honorate Cortigiane di Venetia.
Leave a Reply