The Secret Casinos of Casanova’s Venice: A Glimpse into the Hidden World of 18th-Century Luxury and Vice

Venice, a city famed for its canals, architecture, and rich history, also harbors a lesser-known but intriguing side—the world of secretive 18th-century casinos where gambling, socializing, and pleasures of all kinds flourished. These hidden venues were frequented by some of the most famous figures in European history, including the infamous lover and adventurer, Giacomo Casanova. For those with the right connections, these underground casinos provided not only a chance to gamble but also an opportunity to indulge in a variety of hedonistic pleasures, including interactions with some of Venice’s most sought-after courtesans.

The Rise of the Venetian Casinos

By the 18th century, Venice had become a city teeming with vice and indulgence. With a population of around 100,000, the city had an extraordinary number of prostitutes—over 12,000, representing more than 10% of the population. At the top of this social hierarchy were the courtesans, women who were not only beautiful but also highly skilled in the art of attraction and companionship. These women were often the favorites of wealthy men and powerful figures, including Casanova, who frequented the gambling halls and secret gatherings in Venice.

Casanova, one of the most legendary figures associated with Venice, would have been no stranger to the city’s hidden casinos. These establishments were often disguised as private clubs or speakeasies, with exclusive guest lists and discreet entrances to maintain their secrecy. The allure of the casinos was not only in the games of chance but also in the opportunities they offered for flirtation, seduction, and social climbing.

Gambling and Socializing: A Dual Experience

The primary draw of these casinos was gambling. Patrons came not only for the chance to win or lose vast sums of money but to socialize in an atmosphere of decadence and intrigue. It was a place where men could rub shoulders with the elite of Venetian society and interact with the most beautiful women in the city. These courtesans were seen as the epitome of sophistication and glamour, often wearing the latest fashion trends and using every means at their disposal to maintain their allure.

One of the most curious aspects of the courtesans’ beauty rituals was their use of urine to wash their hair. This method, though shocking to modern sensibilities, was believed to give their hair a reddish-golden tint, which was highly desirable at the time. The ammonia in urine was known for its cleansing properties, and it was used in ancient times for a variety of purposes, including washing clothes. For the courtesans of Venice, however, it was a beauty treatment that added to their mystique and charm.

The Role of Fashion in the Casinos

Fashion played a significant role in the allure of these casinos. The courtesans were known for their extravagant attire, which included low-cut bodices, veils, and towering platform shoes. These shoes, which would seem out of place in modern times, were a statement of both beauty and status. The courtesans wore them not only to attract attention but also to elevate themselves above the crowd, literally and figuratively.

In a lighthearted moment, one visitor to the casino is invited to try on a pair of these towering shoes, which were designed to make the wearer stand out. The shoes were part of the courtesan’s arsenal, helping them to gain attention and captivate their audience. The idea was that the higher the platform, the more attention the woman would receive, and this was a vital part of the social dynamic in these secret venues.

The Secret World of Venetian Casinos

The casinos in Venice were not only about gambling and socializing—they were also places of intrigue and secrecy. Access to these establishments was highly restricted, and only those on the guest list could enter. If a guest arrived and there was any sign of unwanted visitors, such as the police or a jealous husband, there was always an escape route. A knock on the door could signal the need to escape, and hidden exits allowed patrons to slip away unnoticed.

This secretive nature of the casinos added to their allure, as they became spaces where anything could happen, free from the prying eyes of society. It was in these hidden rooms that Casanova, a man known for his charm and conquests, would have been able to indulge in both gambling and the company of beautiful women. For him and others, the casinos represented a place where social boundaries were blurred, and pleasures of all kinds could be enjoyed without fear of judgment or interference.

The End of an Era

The casinos of 18th-century Venice were part of a larger culture of excess that defined the city during that time. However, like many things in Venice, the casinos were eventually shut down. As the city faced political and economic decline, the once-thriving world of secret gambling halls and courtesan rendezvous faded into history. Despite this, the legacy of these hidden places remains an integral part of Venice’s history, offering a glimpse into the decadent and libertine world that existed beneath the surface of this beautiful and enigmatic city.

The Legacy of Casanova and Venice’s Secret Casinos

Today, Venice’s history is celebrated for its art, architecture, and canals, but the city’s secret casinos and their connection to figures like Casanova continue to captivate those who seek a deeper understanding of its past. These casinos were not merely places of vice but hubs of social interaction, where power, beauty, and fortune intersected in a society defined by its obsession with pleasure and status. The story of these hidden venues, and the figures who frequented them, is a testament to the allure and mystery of Venice—a city that, even today, continues to hold secrets beneath its canals and cobblestone streets.

For those who venture beyond the tourist hotspots and into the hidden corners of Venice, the story of its secret casinos offers a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in the city’s rich and complex history. Whether through the legacy of Casanova or the remnants of the grand palaces where these casinos once operated, the spirit of Venice’s hidden world of gambling, seduction, and excess lives on.