Books Set in the Italian Renaissance
You can’t visit Italy or go to an art museum to see a piece created during the Italian Renaissance and not be left in awe of the culture and beauty of the time period. Gorgeous frescos, marble sculptures, and beautiful buildings capture the imagination of anyone exposed to the era. With lots of hit shows and movies set during the time frame, it’s no wonder there are many books set in the Italian Renaissance, too.
I dug deep into this sub-genre of historical fiction when I went to Italy back in 2011. I was enraptured by the country, and I eagerly consumed every story I could find set during the time period. In fact, one of my favorite books of all time is on this list!
The Best Books Set in the Italian Renaissance
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Books Set in the Italian Renaissance
Juliet by Anne Fortier – Jump to section
Best Celebrity Book Club Book Set in the Italian Renaissance
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell – Jump to section
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Books Set in the Renaissance
Juliet: A Novel
Author: Anna Fortier
Year: 2010
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 15+
Plot
What if Shakespeare’s Juliet was real and was actually a curse? Alternating between the “real” Juliet’s story and her modern-day descendant’s story, the book proves that love transcends time.
Julie receives a key to a safety deposit box in Italy after her aunt Rose dies. This journey will take her to Siena and to her ancestor, Giulietta Tolomei. The further she digs into her past, she more she learns about her family and the curse that has been following them for centuries.
It’s such a unique and amazing classic retelling and was a no-brainer pick for a list of the best romance novels of all time. The epic love story also makes it perfect for anyone who is looking for mystery, romance, and historical fiction in one book.
Why Kirsten loves it
I ADORE this book set in Italy and have read it numerous times. I can’t put my finger on why this story makes my top 10 favorite books, but it’s a comfort read that I go to whenever I need a pick-me-up. I re-read it again and again! It has a little bit of everything – romance, a mystery, a contemporary and historical element.
Why Jackie loves it
There is something so fairytale-like in this book. It is part historical fiction, part cozy mystery and 100% delight.
Find this book in: Books Set in Italy / Ultimate List of Romance Books / Books Like Outlander / Kirsten’s Favorite Books of All Time / Cozy Mystery Books / Books Set in the Italian Renaissance
Plot
A perfect summer read about a neurosurgeon who is transported back to Siena in the time of the plague. The narrative makes me feel like I am in Italy. After the death of her brother, Beatrice travels to Italy where she uncovers the work of Gabriele Accorsi. She is shocked when she sees a painting of herself and the next thing she knows, she has been transported back in time to 1347. Described as Outlander meets Girl with a Pearl Earring, at its heart, it is a love story.
Trigger Warnings
Plague
Why Jackie loves it
I could not put it down and finished it as a perfect start to the summer reading season. This is the perfect time travel romance book for fans of Outlander!
Find this book in: Time Travel Books / Books Set in Italy / Historical Fantasy Books / Books Set in the Italian Renaissance
The Botticelli Secret
Author: Marina Fiorato
Year: 2010
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This gritty story is about a prostitute during the Italian Renaissance who needs to flee for her life after learning a secret while sitting for famed artist Botticelli. She turns to a novice, Brother Guido, for help after her friends start dying.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Content, Violence
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s sort of like a Da Vinci code set in the 15th century and it all revolves around Botticelli’s Primavera painting. It’s a fun, quick read and one of the first books set in Italy that I ever read.
Find this book in: Novels About Art / Books Set in the Italian Renaissance / Royal Mysteries and Thrillers
The Second Duchess
Author: Elizabeth Loupas
Year: 2011
Genre: Historical Fiction Mystery
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The Duke of Ferrara has taken a second wife after possibility having killed his first duchess. While first ignoring the rumors, soon Barbara decides she needs to investigate what happened to Lucrezia de Medici.
Why Kirsten loves it
I liked the mystery aspects of this biographical fiction story. I was certainly living in fear that something would befall Barbara as her pool of suspects grew larger.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction / Books Set in the Italian Renaissance
The Daughter of Siena
Author: Marino Fiorato
Year: 2011
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I first read about the horse race, known as The Palio, set in Siena when I was reading Juliet by Anne Fortier. I knew I wanted to read more about this amazing city, so I immediately picked up this book. The deadly rivalry of those participating in the Palio makes for an interesting backdrop as Pia Tolomei falls for a rival from another area of town.
Why Kirsten loves it
Fiorato brings the Palio and ancient Siena to life. Much like Juliet, I was enraptured by this story.
The Confessions of Catherine De Medici
Author: C. W. Gortner
Year: 2010
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Catherine De Medici came from one of the greatest dynasties of the Renaissance era. Originally from Italy, she became the Queen of France around the same time that Henry VIII was in power.
She was also rumored to be a master at the art of poison. This historical fiction biography explores her life and her influence over France and Europe.
Why Kirsten likes it
I liked but didn’t love this story of Queen Catherine. She is a tough, conniving woman who I didn’t particularly connect with so that made it hard for me to fully root for her character.
The Scarlet Contessa
Author: Jeanne Kalogridis
Year: 2010
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The Medici family makes an appearance in the book which was a pleasant surprise, but really Caterina’s life story is compelling on its own. She was a fierce woman who skillfully navigated the tumultuous political climate of the time. She went up against Pope Borgia and other leaders and defied them all.
Her story is told through the eyes of her lady’s maid, and half-sister, who made an interesting storyteller. I wish that it had been told from Caterina’s point of view though.
Why Kirsten loves it
After finishing my binge-watching of Netflix’s The Medici: Masters of Florence, I was on the hunt to read a good historical fiction set in Renaissance Italy. I can not believe how few books were written about this time period. How is that possible? Luckily, I did stumble upon this tale of badass warrior duchess Caterina Sforza. It is one of my favorite books set in Italy.
Celebrity Book Club Books Set in the Italian Renaissance
The Marriage Portrait
Author: Maggie O’Farrell
Year: 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: December 2022 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I found the story, which also revolves around the painting of the titular marriage portrait, to be fast-moving and fascinating. It’s one of those historical fiction books that had me googling what was real and what truths were bent.
Why Kirsten loves it
I found the story, which also revolves around the painting of the titular marriage portrait, to be fast-moving and fascinating. It’s one of those historical fiction books that had me googling what was real and what truths were bent.
Find this book in: Biographical Fiction Novels / Novels About Art / Books Set in Italy / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2022 / Books Set in the Italian Renaissance
Expert Tip
- Not sure where to start? One of Kirsten’s favorite books EVER is on this list, so definitely start there.
- If you are reading one of the stories that involve art, make sure you have a computer, phone, or iPad nearby to Google the gorgeous images!
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Renaissance?
The Renaissance started in Florence in the 14th century. It spread throughout Italy and Europe. It ended in the 16th century, but the height of the Renaissance was from 1495 to 1527.
What are some of the best books set in the Italian Renaissance?
I adore Juliet by Anne Fortier, but other popular picks are The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell, which was a Reese Witherspoon book club pick, and The Scribe of Siena by Melanie Winawer.
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Epilogue
What are your favorite books set in the Italian Renaissance? Did I include your favorite?
