Like a Virgin: Gay life in Venice from the Middle Ages to present days


Like a Virgin: Gay life in Venice from the Middle Ages to present days

2 hours


Hear about the stories about cross-dressing in cat masks and Rolandina, the first transgender we know about in Italy. Explore the places gay cruised from middle ages to the Grand Tour, enjoying the tolerant, laid-back and easy-going city attitude today
Take a trip over the centuries through the gay history of Venice, which is as labyrinthine as the city’s convoluted system of canals. Travel back to Middle Ages, when the practice of sodomy was deemed a sin. Learn about the history of Rolandina, a transgender who was burned at stake, as several other men of all social statuses have being condemned for their same-sex relations in the following centuries. Visit the city as a European tourists did during their discovery trip "Grand Tour" in the 17th century and how Thomas Mann and Frederick Rolfe made Venice a place of homosexual imagery during Belle Epoque. Learn about the fascist attempt to “clean up” the city, while following the location of a music video by a gay-icon as Madonna and checking out how is gay life nowadays in the floating city.


What's included?

    Local top-rated guide (licensed tour  guide)

    Exclusions
      Gratuities
      What to bring

        Please be sure to arrive at the meeting point at least 5 minutes before the starting time of the tour. This is the key to ensure the high-quality of your experience.

        We also recommend you wear comfortable shoes.

        Know before you go

          The tour is offered in English, Italian, Spanish and German.

          The experience is shared in very small groups up to 8 participants. 

          Private tours are available by clicking on the "Group price": it will be a customized private experience with your group only.

          Accessibility: the experience is meant to be inclusive and accessible: if you are a traveller with motor, sensorial or cognitive disabilities, please let us know in advance and we will make our best to meet your needs.

          Not wheelchair accessible. A wheelchair accessible tour is possible as private tour.

          Keep things flexible!

          Full refund for 24-hour cancellations!

          Can't Find Availability Online?

          Contact me!

          Share by: