While Venice was a patriarchal society, women nonetheless played vital roles in shaping the city’s political, social and cultural fabric.

From patrician marriages that forged alliances among the elite to the quiet influence exerted behind convent and palace walls, what was life really like for women in the Republic of Venice?

Their stories span from prominent figures such as Caterina Cornaro, Queen of Cyprus, to the orphaned girls educated at the Ospedale della Pietà, and even to the ever-present world of prostitution – together offering a nuanced portrait of power and constraint in one of Europe’s most singular societies.

In this episode, Dr Eireann Marshall discusses the lives and legacies of Venetian women, examining their roles in politics, commerce, the arts and literature.

Academy Travel is a leading specialist in small-group cultural tours, allowing you to travel with like-minded companions and learn from internationally renowned experts. Like our podcast, our tours are designed to appeal to travellers with a strong interest in history, archaeology, architecture, the visual arts and the performing arts.

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