Known for his love affairs, but also as a writer, philosopher, diplomat and even as a spy, Giacomo Casanova is one Venice’s most prominent characters. The city has been the setting for many key events in his life and an itinerary that walks through Casanova’s most legendary sites is for sure an original way to discover Venice.

The places we will describe not only tell about Casanova’s turbulent life, but also offer a glimpse into 18th-century Venice. A vibrant and cosmopolitan city, rich in culture, art and adventure.

Calle Malipiero

Near Palazzo Grassi, you can walk along Calle della Commedia (now Calle Malipiero), the street where on April 2, 1725 Casanova was born to two actors. You will also find a plaque commemorating his birth, while, in the nearby church of San Samuele, he was baptized shortly after.

At Palazzo Malipiero Casanova lived with his grandmother and here he met many aristocrats and intellectuals who frequented the family’s salons.

I Piombi, the prisons of the Doge’s Palace

Palazzo Ducale was the political heart of the Serenissima. In its basements are the famous prisons called I Piombi, due to the lead slabs covering them. Here Casanova was imprisoned in 1755 on charges of libertinism, magic and religious offenses.

This place is linked to Casanova’s daring escape in 1756, one of the most famous escapes in history.

San Samuele Theater

This theater was one of the most important in 18th-century Venice and it was here that Casanova took his first steps as an actor and playwright, before abandoning this career. Although the original building has been demolished, the theater was an important meeting point for Venetian nobility and intellectuals and a familiar environment for Casanova.

The Convent of Santa Maria degli Angeli

It is located along the Fondamenta Venier in Murano and is the place where Casanova used to go at night in disguise to meet his lover, a nun with whom he had a secret relationship.

Today it is in a state of abandonment, but it was once an important convent where many young women were sent by their families, usually to preserve the family’s assets.

Caffè Florian

Caffè Florian, a historic cafè opened in 1720, was a meeting place for Venetian intellectuals and aristocrats. Casanova often frequented it. Located in the setting of Piazza San Marco, it is one of the places that most recall the atmosphere of Casanova’s time.

The Casino in Calle Vallaresso

Located near Piazza San Marco, this street was a meeting place for aristocrats and gamblers. Here, in the rooms of the Ridotto di San Moisè, there was one of the most famous gambling halls of the time, as well as the first casino in the world.

Casanova was known for his passion for gambling and frequented these places not only to have fun, but also to socialize and meet new people.