Ponte delle Tette

The Serenissima restricted prostitution in Venice in 1412. A curfew was imposed on the ladies of the night. They could not leave the area except on Saturdays, when they had to wear a yellow scarf, as opposed to the white scarf of a marriageable woman.

In 16th century the prostitutes were allowed to display their breasts from balconies and windows near the bridge to attract business. At night they were permitted to use lanterns to illuminate their breasts to “divert with such incentive the men from sin against nature”.

One writer estimated that there were some 11,654 prostitutes working in Venice at that time. Casanova was said to be a frequent visitor.

This situation continued until the 18th century when, to encourage tourism, younger prostitutes were allowed to work throughout the city and older and less attractive prostitutes were restricted to the nearby Rio terà delle Carampane.