History of Prostitution in Europe: From Courtesans to Modern Companions

When we talk about the history of prostitution in Europe, the long-standing, complex relationship between sex work, power, and social norms across the continent. Also known as the evolution of sex work in Europe, it’s not just about legality or morality—it’s about who had access to money, influence, and freedom. This isn’t a story of simple right or wrong. It’s about women—sometimes elite, often marginalized—who turned intimacy into survival, and how society kept changing the rules to control them.

Centuries ago, courtesans in Europe, highly educated, politically connected women who provided companionship, intellect, and sex to nobles and rulers. Also known as Renaissance companions, they weren’t just prostitutes—they were artists, diplomats, and sometimes the real power behind thrones. Think of Veronica Franco in Venice or Madame de Pompadour in France. They owned property, wrote poetry, and moved in circles where kings listened. Their work was legal, respected, and profitable—until the 1800s, when morality campaigns and rising nationalism turned them into symbols of sin. That’s when the shift began: from status to stigma.

Fast forward to the 20th century, and sex work laws Europe, a patchwork of regulations that vary wildly from country to country, from full legalization in Germany to criminalizing clients in Sweden. Also known as European prostitution policies, these laws didn’t just change penalties—they changed who got hurt. In places where it’s banned, women are pushed underground. Where it’s regulated, many gain safety, healthcare, and legal rights. But even in legal zones, stigma lingers. Today’s independent escorts don’t work on corners—they use encrypted apps, manage their own bookings, and build client relationships based on trust, not just cash. The tools changed. The power dynamics? Still messy.

The escort industry evolution, how professional companionship shifted from brothels and street corners to digital platforms and boutique agencies. Also known as modern sex work in Europe, mirrors bigger trends: the gig economy, privacy concerns, and the demand for emotional connection over transactional sex. More people now seek companionship for loneliness, not just sex. More women are working alone, using social media to control their image and income. But the risks haven’t disappeared—scams, trafficking, and legal traps still exist. The difference? Today’s workers are louder. They’re writing blogs, speaking in documentaries, and demanding to be seen as people, not problems.

What you’ll find below isn’t a textbook. It’s real stories—from the quiet routines of modern escorts to the hidden political ties of past courtesans. You’ll read about how cities like Amsterdam and Berlin became hubs, how social media rewrote the rules, and why some countries still jail clients while others protect workers. There’s no sugarcoating. Just facts, context, and the human side of a trade that’s been around longer than most governments.