Giacomo Casanova: Seducer, Spy, and Friend of Mozart
Born on April 2, 1725, in the enchanting city of Venice, Giacomo Casanova came into the world as the child of actors. While he wasn’t of noble birth, his sharp intellect, magnetic charm, and talent for mingling with the elite enabled him to build an extensive network throughout Europe.
His lifetime was a whirlwind of romantic entanglements, journeys, and interactions with notable figures like Voltaire, Mozart, and Empress Catherine the Great. Additionally, he pursued roles as a diplomat, spy, philosopher, writer, and violinist. Many claimed his allure was irresistible, as reflected in his memoirs, where he recounted liaisons with over 130 women.
In 1788, the eminent composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart came to Prague to oversee the première of his opera Don Giovanni at the Nostitz Theatre (now known as the Estates Theatre). It is highly likely that Giacomo Casanova attended this performance since he was acquainted with Mozart. A devoted admirer of opera, Casanova is even thought to have aided the librettist with certain revisions. The character of Don Giovanni, an endlessly charming seducer, bears striking similarities to Casanova’s own adventurous lifestyle.
Following his exile from Venice, Giacomo Casanova found refuge in Duchcov, thanks to his friend Count Josef Karel of Waldstein, who appointed him as the librarian at his chateau in 1785. By this time, Casanova had gained notoriety across Europe—not just for his romantic exploits but also for his many scandals and disputes stemming from his fiery temperament.
Casanova’s Life in Duchcov
It was in Duchcov that Casanova dedicated himself to writes and finalized his celebrated Memoirs, chronicling his colorful and eventful life. The stunning Baroque Duchcov Chateau, embellished with exquisite works by the famed sculptor Matthias Bernard Braun, is situated in Northern Bohemia, less than a hundred kilometers from the capital city of Prague. In addition to a dedicated exhibition on Casanova, visitors can appreciate the stunning historical interiors and expansive French-style gardens surrounding the chateau.
Guests are invited to explore a specially crafted tour route showcasing the very rooms where Casanova resided, including insights into his bedroom, his personal items, and even the armchair in which he breathed his last on June 4, 1798.
The museum in Duchcov features a unique research center, the only one worldwide, dedicated solely to the life and works of Casanova.
Duchcov and its neighboring areas are also famous for their proximity to the illustrious spa town of Teplice, which has attracted esteemed figures like Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Frédéric Chopin throughout history.
Events Celebrating the 300th Anniversary of Giacomo Casanova’s Birth:
- June 6, 2025: Kicking off the Casanova celebrations in the courtyard of Duchcov Chateau
- June 7: A day dedicated to the Casanova festivities
- June 7: Costume-themed tours
- August 23: Castle and Chateau Night – a creative workshop for making carnival masks
- September 19-20: A German-Czech theatrical production focusing on Casanova’s final days
- (in cooperation with the Theatrekahn company from Dresden)
- October 11: An evening of theatrical tours inspired by the Venetian carnival, culminating with Casanova’s grand entrance into Duchcov
Website: https://zamek-duchcov.cz
