Casanova’s captivating life unfolded in various cities, including Rome, where he found himself entangled in a captivating love triangle and a quest to locate a mysterious inn. This tale unfolds from Volume 11 of his memoirs, detailing his second visit to the Eternal City in 1760. While his love for the fairer sex remained, his daring adventures had taken a backseat to the wisdom of experience, leaving him with a more fatherly air.
As Casanova journeyed toward Rome, he was entrusted with the task of escorting a young Englishwoman named Betty. Betty, weary from her horse-riding escapade with her supposed husband, craved the comfort of a carriage. Casanova, ever the charmer, readily agreed to her request, charmed by her captivating beauty. Betty possessed a captivating allure, with her blonde locks, delicate frame, and a shy demeanor that exuded a youthful innocence. Casanova, captivated by her charms, was drawn to her captivating aura.
A Twist of Fate: Betty’s Deception and Casanova’s Intervention
During their travels, Betty’s refined manners and her husband’s initial mistreatment ignited a spark of sympathy in Casanova’s heart. As their bond deepened, Casanova discovered that Betty had attended school in London alongside his own daughter Sophie, although he carefully kept this information from Betty. It soon became clear that Betty’s “husband” was a deceitful seducer, having stolen her from another man. Determined to help, Casanova intervened, promising to reunite Betty with her true love, Sir B.M. The reunion, however, was fraught with tension, as Sir B.M., mistakenly believing Casanova to be the one who stole Betty, nearly drew his weapon in a fit of rage.
The Mystery of the Inn
Their tumultuous journey finally led them to Rome, where Casanova’s belongings were deposited in an inn situated across from the church of San Carlo in Corso, now known as Sant’Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso, located on Via del Corso. This is the same church I previously wrote about in a blog post on September 25, 2019.
While the surrounding buildings can be identified, the exact location of this inn in 1760 remains elusive, a frustrating puzzle for historians even in the age of the internet. During the COVID-19 pandemic, with libraries closed, it’s been nearly impossible to uncover this detail. Roland, the proprietor of the Hotel Londra, opened another hotel in 1770 called the Ville de Paris, situated on the Piazzetta Caetani near the Corso. This information was sourced from Trask’s notes (Vol. 11, Ch. IX, note 3). Could this be the same Ville de Paris that housed Casanova and his companions on Via del Corso? And what is its current address? Any assistance in uncovering this mystery would be greatly appreciated.
Casanova’s Arrival in Rome and a Search
Casanova’s return to Rome in 1760 marked the beginning of a captivating chapter in his life, a chapter that unfolded against the backdrop of a mysterious inn. As Casanova, Sir B.M., and Betty entered Rome, they were subjected to the customary search of their belongings. Casanova recounts, “After a polite search of my trunk by two clerks, the postilion took us to an inn opposite the Church of San Carlo, where, after having my trunk taken to a separate room, I begged Sir B.M. to remain calm, assuring him that I would attend to the whole matter in the course of the morning and that we should dine together well satisfied.” The mystery of this inn persists, adding an intriguing layer to Casanova’s captivating adventures in Rome.
