November 19th 2024.
Venice, known for its romantic gondolas, intricate bridges, and stunning architecture, also has a dark side to its past. One of the most infamous buildings in this Floating City is the Palazzo Dario, built in the 15th century. Its construction was accompanied by a series of tragedies, leading some to believe that the building is cursed.
Located on the banks of the Grand Canal, the Palazzo Dario stands out with its imposing black windows and ornate glasswork. The exterior of the building gives off an unsettling feeling, and looking at pictures of the 15th-century palace can send shivers down your spine. It's no surprise that the locals know it as a site of a notorious "curse," with multiple previous owners meeting financial ruin or untimely ends, including The Who's former manager, Kit Lambert.
Built in 1479 for Venetian diplomat Giovanni Dario, this 1,000 square meter palace is a luxurious masterpiece. Spread over five floors, it boasts marble floors, a 170 square meter garden, and an internal Moorish fountain. However, the trouble started as soon as the finishing touches were put in place.
There are various theories surrounding the origins of the building, including the popular belief that it sits on top of a Templars' Cemetery. Today, even estate agents acknowledge its haunted past. The Knights Templar, founded in Jerusalem in the 12th century, had their Venetian headquarters in various locations, including a convent, a church, and a hospital. However, they were expelled from Venice in 1312 following allegations of devil-worshipping, sexual misconduct, and corruption.
After Giovanni Dario's death, the palace was passed down to his daughter Marietta and her husband Vincenzo, but their time in the Palazzo Dario was short-lived. Vincenzo was stabbed to death, and Marietta, overcome with grief, died by suicide. Their son also met a tragic end, killed in an ambush. The pattern of unfortunate events continued with the property's subsequent owners, including rock royalty Kit Lambert, who bought the palace in 1972. He was drawn to its reputation as a "house of ill omen," but he often slept elsewhere to "escape the ghosts that haunted him." Other owners, including Venetian businessman Fabrizio Ferrari and Italian businessman Raul Gardini, also met tragic ends.
The property even caught the attention of filmmaker Woody Allen, but he ultimately decided not to buy it. In 2006, an unknown buyer purchased the palace and began extensive restorations. However, the building's dark past has made it difficult to sell, with it being on the market since 2022.
The Palazzo Dario's morbid history has also fueled fascination online, with many sharing their thoughts and theories on platforms like TikTok and Reddit. Some even joke about organizing a Halloween party at the haunted palace. Despite its cursed reputation, the Palazzo Dario continues to stand tall and intrigue those who pass by. Do you have a story to share about this infamous building? Share it with us by emailing [email address].
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