Casanovas Heimfahrt

In his fifties, the legendary lover finds himself haunted by an ache that no daring escapade can soothe: a deep longing for the canals of his native Venice. Settled temporarily in Mantua, he spends his days drafting a polemic against Voltaire, hoping that a bold publication will cleanse his reputation and smooth the path home. Yet his dwindling funds and the lingering shadow of past indiscretions make the prospect of return feel both fragile and urgent.

One late‑summer morning, a restless agitation drives him to abandon his routine walks and hasten back toward the city gates. Gripping his sword, he envisions a swift departure by post‑coach, packing only what remains of his once‑lavish belongings. As he races against the setting sun, the familiar sounds of a bustling inn and the bittersweet memories of former glories stir a mixture of hope and melancholy, setting the stage for a journey that may finally let him confront the echo of his own legend.