Venice, 1580. The Marquis Della Porta lives alone in his villa with his secretary Jacopo, his servant Paolo and his beloved courtesan Veronica. Veronica is the only female and the three men are in love with her.Venice, 16th century. The Marquis Evaristo Della Porta spends the summer in his villa in the hills of Venice with Veronica Stampa, a famous courtesan.