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Famous venetian

Curiosities

FAMOUS VENETIAN

Venice was always homeland of famous people who in the past have helped to bring the fame of the city around the world. Below we list some of them:

Giacomo Casanova

Marco Polo

Carlo Goldoni


GIACOMO CASANOVA

Giacomo Casanova
was born April 2, 1725 in Venice near Church of San Samuele in Calle Malipiero from parents actors. As a child he was sickly, he was taken by a witch for a spell. This resulted in him an interest in esoteric practices, but without taking them seriously.
In the collective imagination, his name has become synonymous with seduction. This is mainly due to the publication of his book "Histoire de ma vie" (Story of my life), in which the author describes, with the utmost frankness, his adventures, his travels and his many amorous encounters. The list of his amorous encounters is very long, but among the many is worth remembering when in Ancona fell in love with a singer named Bellino who pretended to be a boy, instead Casanova believed that he was a woman.
In fact, he discovered that it actually was a girl named Teresa that pretended to be a boy to avoid the prohibition for women to sing in the theaters of the Vatican state.
in 1749 he met Henriette, who was perhaps the greatest love of his life. The nickname probably hid the identity of a noblewoman of Aix-en-Provence, perhaps Adelaide de Gueidan.
The most striking case is that concerning the relationship of Casanova with Sister MM  and subsequent dealings with the French ambassador, De Bernis. This is one of the most valuable work of the book from the literary point of view and style.
After a long period spent in Paris, Casanova returned to Venice but in the night between 25 and 26 July 1755 was arrested and imprisoned to Piombi.
He escaped from prison and fled back to Paris. At Venice in 1774 returned only after obtaining the grace.
He died in 1798

Venice guide - San Sanuele Church
Venice curiosities - Giacomo Casanova Portrait

MARCO POLO

Marco Polo was born in Venice in 1254 and died January 9, 1324 was a merchant and explorer. His name is inextricably linked to his book IL MILIONE describing his journey eastward to China, opening for the first time Europe eyes, on this great civilization.
The journey of Mark was preceded by a trip made by his father and his uncle, Niccolò and Maffeo, who crossed the Asia meeting, it seems, Kublai Khan.
Returning to Venice in 1269, shortly after they departed, taking with them the young Marco for a trip that lasted 24 years.
Unfortunately Marco on his return found Venice at war with Genoa and was imprisoned.
It was during his imprisonment that he dictated his travel account.
He was released in 1299, became rich, married and had three children. He died in 1324 and his remains are preserved in the church of San Lorenzo.
The book begins with a preface on the meeting of Nicolo and Maffeo with Kublai Khan, who returned to Italy with a request of the Khan to the Pope.
In 1271 all three departed by land and reached the court of Kublai Khan after about three and a half of travel bringing with them the oil of the lamp of Jerusalem and a letter of the Pope
During his stay in China, Marco was able to enjoy the favors of the emperor became an important person.
He traveled to many provinces of the empire.
The Polos then left Cina on a Junk fleet to Persia, with the parade direct to the marriage of the ruler of Persia, the great-nephew of Khan.
Then they left the wedding procession to the Black Sea and reached overland Trebizond.

Marco Polo Corte del Milion

CARLO GOLDONI

Carlo Goldoni (25 February 1707-6 February 1793) was Venetian playwright author of many of the most famous Italian comedies.
Its feature was to make extensive use of the Venetian dialect in the dialogues.
His lyrics have an image of society, with particular emphasis on life, the conflicts and values ​​present in the emerging middle classes at the time.
In 1761, disgusted by conflicts with colleagues, he moved to Paris where he obtained a position at court.
Here he spent the rest of his life by getting a good reputation and where he died in 1793.

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