Valdrada (Gualdrada) of Tuscany (died 997) was a Dogaressa of Venice by marriage to the Doge Pietro IV Candiano (r. 959–976).
Early life
She was the daughter of Hubert, Duke of Spoleto, grandfather of Mathilda of Tuscany. She was arranged to be married to Pietro by Emperor Otto III after the divorce of his former dogaressa, Giovanniccia Candiano. She brought a dowry including castles and a retinue of slaves.
Dogaressa
She and the Doge created the custom of the Mundio, in which the doge granted half of his income to his consort. Valdrada became unpopular in Venice because of her arrogance, but she had good relations with Pietro. She supported his ambitions and strengthened his status by behaving as a Queen, and was reportedly the first dogaressa to follow a royal ceremonial protocol. She introduced bull fighting in Venice, which became popular and at which she presided.
