Illustration in Casanova’s Story of My Flight. A detail from the German edition, 1788
Deep within the Republic of Venice, under the impressive halls of the Doge’s Palace, was one of the most infamous prisons of its time: Piombi. Its name, derived from its lead-covered roof, signified a high-security dungeon for political prisoners, spies, and those viewed as threats to the stability of the state. In 1756, a man named Giacomo Casanova achieved what many thought was impossible: he escaped from Piombi. His remarkable breakout is now regarded as one of the most audacious prison escapes in history.
The Imprisonment of Giacomo Casanova
By the mid-18th century, Casanova had already gained a reputation as a writer, adventurer, and master seducer. However, his free-spirited lifestyle and extensive knowledge of state secrets posed a threat to the Venetian authorities. His connections to Freemasonry rumored occult practices, and alleged criticism of the Catholic Church only fueled their suspicions. In 1755, he was arrested by the Doge’s secret police on charges of blasphemy, libertinism, and possession of prohibited books. Without a trial, he was sentenced to an indefinite term in the most secure prison of the Republic of Venice.
The Inescapable Prison
Piombi, situated directly beneath the lead roof of the Doge’s Palace, was built to be inescapable. The sweltering summer heat and biting winter cold turned it into a living nightmare. Guards were always on duty, and access to the outside world was tightly restricted. Nevertheless, Casanova, who was as much an intellectual as he was an adventurer, refused to resign himself to his fate.
With the assistance of a fellow inmate, Father Balbi, he devised a bold escape plan. Through coded messages and smuggled tools, they began to work on their getaway. Casanova employed an iron rod to bore a hole through the wooden ceiling of his cell. Just as their plan was about to come to fruition, Casanova was unexpectedly moved to another cell—a moment that could have led to disaster. However, this setback did not discourage him.
Casanova’s Ingenious Escape Plan
Determined to escape, Casanova cleverly used a concealed spike to pry open the floorboards of his new cell. In the stillness of the night on October 31, 1756, he and Balbi crawled through the opening, stealthily navigating the rafters of the palace. They successfully broke through a locked door and descended into the main hall of the Doge’s Palace. Disguised as nobles, they managed to deceive the unsuspecting guards and finally made their way into the outside world.
Aftermath and Historical Significance
Once free, Casanova fled the Republic of Venice, eventually making his way to France. There, he continued his life of adventure, writing, and political intrigue. His escape became legendary, cementing his reputation as a master of deception and resourcefulness.
This event also exposed weaknesses in Venice’s security and led to reforms in its prison system. The Doge’s government, embarrassed by the failure, sought to ensure such an escape would never happen again. But Casanova’s legacy as the only person to break out of Piombi lived on.
Casanova’s great escape was not just an exciting adventure; it showcased his intelligence, determination, and courage. His carefully planned and skillfully executed breakout stands out as one of the most remarkable prison escapes in history. The tale of his rebellion against the Doge’s authority and his successful flight from the Republic of Venice continues to intrigue historians and scholars, providing interesting perspectives on the political and social conflicts of 18th-century Europe.
