Women Who Shaped Venice

Beginning at Rialto, the heart of Venetian commerce, this walk explores the stories of the women who shaped the city’s social and economic life, from market vendors to powerful merchant wives who managed family fortunes. The route continues through calli and courtyards toward Palazzo Fortuny, once home to the designer Mariano Fortuny and his talented wife Henriette Nigrin, whose inventive work broadened the reach of the atelier. The path moves through San Marco and along the Grand Canal, highlighting figures such as poet Veronica Franco, the Dogaressas, and the many artists, writers, and patrons who influenced Venetian culture. The experience concludes with a guided visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, celebrating Peggy Guggenheim’s extraordinary life as a pioneering art patron who transformed modern art and left an enduring mark on Venice. Together, these stories trace how women navigated Venice’s rigid social structures to exert influence in trade, art, and public life.

This experience is led by a Venetian with a long experience and a deep interest in the often untold stories of Venetian women. Travelers engage with the narrative rather than receiving it passively. At Rialto, you'll discover goods once managed by women traders. Near Palazzo Fortuny, the conversation focuses on fabrics and models that reveal Henriette’s textile genius. Readings from Veronica Franco's verses and stories linked to the Dogaressas introduce voices that shaped public life and influenced the city’s culture. At each stop, you can choose between two stories, allowing the route to respond to your curiosity. During the Guggenheim visit, you are invited to focus on selected artworks and consider how Peggy Guggenheim championed the artists behind them. The experience unfolds as a conversation — immersive, personal, and emotionally engaging, revealing Venice through the eyes of the women who built, inspired, and transformed it.

A sixth-generation Venetian, Elisabetta carries with her over 500 years of family history in the city. A licensed tour guide since 1995, she shares Venice with passion, expertise, and a uniquely personal touch. Fluent in Italian, English, French, and Spanish, Elisabetta is loved for turning every tour into a journey through stories, anecdotes, and traditions passed down through generations. Whether it’s a peaceful sunrise walk through quiet alleys, an exploration of historic palaces, or a dive into authentic neighborhoods, she creates tailor-made experiences that are both engaging and unforgettable. With Elisabetta, Venice is not just to be seen—it is to be lived.

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