A depiction of 16th century courtesan, Veronica Franco, who - during the days of Venice's glory - is spurned by her true love because she does not have a proper dowry to appease his family. With no other alternative, she becomes a courtesan, an occupation legally permitted to women of a certain rank. With her looks and wit, she quickly becomes the most sought after courtesan in Italy, but still cannot overcome the societal restrictions that keeps her apart from her true love.