Lucrezia Galletta

Lucrezia Galletta
Born	c. 1520s Bologna, Italy
Died	1580
Occupation(s)	Courtesan, banker, financier
Years active	1540s–1580
Known for	Prominent courtesan in Rome; successful banker; co-signer of the grand parti de Lyon

Lucrezia Galletta (circa 1520s – 1580), also referred to as "la Luparella," was a prominent courtesan and financier in Rome during the 16th century. Originating from Bologna between 1520 and 1525, she rose to prominence as a renowned courtesan in Rome by the 1540s. In 1559, after amassing considerable wealth, she withdrew from the courtesan registry to embark on a career in banking—a transition possibly facilitated by her partner, Francesco Spinelli, a banker who subsequently fled with funds.

Galletta distinguished herself as a banker, securing an impressive clientele that extended beyond Italy. Notably, on 18 January 1560, she was the sole woman to co-sign the "grand parti de Lyon," joining Cardinals and Roman aristocrats in granting significant credit to the French monarch.

Her possessions at the time of death indicate a high level of education, including an extensive library. In response to Pope Pius V’s 1566 edict expelling affluent courtesans unless they married or retired to convents, she entered into a formal marriage with Niccoló Turini, an employee in her banking enterprise. This union safeguarded her from expulsion and provided Turini with a generous dowry.

In her later years, Galletta took Lucrezia da Tivoli under her care; the latter became a nun at the convent of S. Marta located opposite Galletta’s residence. Upon passing away in 1580, Galletta bequeathed her wealth to her adopted daughter and the convent. Her testament also included charitable gifts aimed at supporting impoverished young women with dowries.