Women’s Spaces in a Medieval Italian City

 

When writing a novel set in Italy at the height of the Renaissance, one must be mindful of the physical presence of characters. In medieval and Renaissance times, the physical division of spaces was not just by household but by gender. Women and men did not share the same spaces, as they did not share the same lives, whether in private homes, neighborhoods, or public areas.

The Gendered Geography of Urban Spaces

Urban centers were male-controlled domains. Men were the governors, judges, police, lawmakers, and bankers. Women, on the other hand, were confined to private and domestic spaces. Jealous husbands and overprotective fathers kept a watchful eye on their wives and daughters, often restricting their movements.

Impressions from Travelers

Medieval Italian cities were famous tourist destinations even then, drawing travelers from across Europe. Many left behind memoirs and notes, which give us insight into how women lived during this era. These travelers were often shocked by the scarcity of women in public spaces, especially compared to the streets of their own European homelands. The women they did see moved quickly, wrapped in mantles and veils.

Forbidden Spaces for Women

For many women, stepping into the streets of Italian cities was akin to entering a forbidden world. There were certain spaces, like piazzas and guild halls, where women were rarely seen and never truly welcome, and if they must enter, it was often dangerous.

Noblewomen: Indoors and Out of Sight

The daily life of noblewomen was one of seclusion. Most of their time was spent indoors, often in rooms at the back of the house, without windows to avoid being seen by outsiders. These women had limited social contact, even with their neighbors, and rarely ventured out. They were mostly alone, sometimes spending time with children and other women of the extended family.

Chaperoned Outings and Restricted Movements

When noblewomen did leave the house, they were often accompanied by an older chaperone, usually hired by a male relative. The most common destination for women was the church, and they either traveled on foot or by carriage. When walking, they wore platform shoes called "zaccoli" or "chapiney," which, though high, were not meant to protect their skirts from mud but rather to limit their mobility.

The Dangers of the Streets for Working Women

For working-class women, venturing into the streets was a necessity, often to provide for their family, but it came with risks. The streets were unsafe, and many women faced harassment or the threat of violence. Jobs that required women to leave the home were scarce and included professions like midwives, servants, and laundresses.

Laundresses: Women in Public Spaces

One of the few female-dominated professions that involved spending significant time in public was that of the laundress, or lavandiere. These women brought laundry to public fountains, many of which were located in the city’s piazzas, spaces male-exclusive. Here, they were at risk of being caught in the middle of stone fights between gangs or harassed by men.

Prostitutes’ Quarters: A Rare Female-Dominated Space

The only public spaces where women exercised significant control were the courtesans’ and prostitutes’ quarters. Isolated from other parts of the city, these areas were managed by women, though men were the customers. In places like Renaissance Florence, these quarters were located in the heart of the city.

The Significance of Controlled Movement

The geography of the medieval Italian city reflects a broader truth about gender dynamics at the time: women’s movements were controlled, restricted, and dominated by men. Even in spaces where they had some degree of freedom, such as churches or prostitutes’ quarters, their roles were still circumscribed by societal norms.

Why Does This Matter for Writers?

Why should writers care about these historical details? Beyond ensuring accuracy, these insights offer a chance to illuminate the struggles and restrictions women faced in the past. Incorporating these obstacles into your story can make for a more compelling heroine, one who must navigate a world dominated by men to achieve her goals. These historical details enrich your plot and offer a deeper connection to your readers.