A Venetian Lady: Caterina Cornaro Queen of Cyprus

We would like to celebrate Women's Day by remembering a Venetian lady who more than any other woman left a mark on the history of Venice: Caterina Cornaro who, in 1472, at the age of twenty, married Giacomo Lusignano, king of the Isle of Cyprus.

Caterina Cornaro was a woman of character and following the death of her husband the year after her marriage, she stood against the Spanish as well as the Venetians who wanted to force her to surrender the Isle of Cyprus. Caterina Queen of Cyprus resisted for 16 years and reigned alone, until the Republic of Venice brought her to surrender the island.

Caterina Cornaro came back to Venice in exchange for the sovereignty of the town of Asolo, where she founded a literary circle attended to by the most important humanists of the time.

If you want to pay homage to this extraordinary woman who, in a time when male power was absolute, was able to impose her choices and keep her privileges, pay a visit to the church of San Salvador in Venice, in the sestiere of St Mark, where you will see her grave decorated with a magnificent Renaissance monument that depicts in its central frieze, Caterina Cornaro relinquishing the isle of Cyprus to the Doge Barbarigo.

Venice offers innumerable curious fact and places. If you wish to know Venice beyond the usual tracks or if you wish to take part in a tailor-made visit of the city, contact us! We will organize a personalized visit of Venice for you with our trusted guide Francesca! Venice's hidden treasures are waiting for you!