Venice -Thomas Mann’s inspiration

Venice is the undisputed capital for romantic travel. Not just for heterosexual couples, but it’s actually an interesting gay story behind the Venetian palaces. Have you ever heard of the first gay community in Europe? Well, it was in Venice in Italy!

This city, unique in the world, has always welcomed the “others“. It was founded by refugees in the fifth century B.C., and later, Jews, heretics and exiles found their new home here until the nineteenth century, when a real gay community settled here.

Lord Byron was one of the mentors of the European high society who arrived in Venice in 1816. Palazzo Mocenigo, now the Venetian fashion museum  is the place where our city tour begins.

Later we will visit the Rialto Bridge, a must in Venice. Our path reveals all these historical places. It was where prostitution was favored and well received, in order to “prevent homosexuality”. However there, gay gatherings in courtyards (‘Campi’, ‘Campielli’) took place, indeed.

The double urban soul was an undeniable aspect of Venetian courtly life.

The Venice Gay Tour ends with a story not to be missed: Adventures of Casanova. We move to Piazza San Marco to visit the Palazzo Ducale, where he was hold prisoner, and the tavern, where he used to go to flirt with his countless lovers.

Then do not forget the Thomas Mann’s book: Death in Venice…

As you can see several stories has been narrated in this amazing and magical city.