She was one of Venice's most intriguing women - a celebrated poet and courtesan - Veronica Franco (Catherine McCormack) defied convention and lived for love.

A young and innocent Veronica falls in love with the handsome nobleman Marco Venier (Rufus Sewell) but because of her station, she knows they can never be married. Veronica's mother (Jacqueline Bisset) offers her an alternative - a life as a courtesan. She is suddenly exposed to a world of sensuality, luxury, and a place where most women are not allowed - the center of Venetian culture. Her beauty, intelligence and conviction make her one of the most revered - and reviled - women in Venice. But as the Inquisition, war and the plague creep into the city, Veronica is forced to stand trial in front of a court made up of men... many of whom had once shared her bed!