Venice's 'Cursed' Palazzo Ca' Dario Seeks Buyer Despite Dark Legends
Nestled on the banks of Venice's Grand Canal, the Palazzo Ca' Dario stands as an architectural marvel with a shadowy reputation. This 15th-century palace, with its nine bedrooms and eight bathrooms, has proven notoriously difficult to sell, not merely because of its reported €20 million price tag but due to persistent legends branding it as "Venice's cursed palace."
A Storied History Marred by Tragedy
Originally built for Giovanni Dario, a diplomat celebrated for securing peace with the Ottoman Empire, the palazzo has hosted nobles, merchants, and even British rock royalty over the centuries. It was immortalised by Claude Monet in 1908 and referenced by Henry James. Yet, its grandeur is overshadowed by tales of misfortune.
The property is associated with at least seven untimely deaths, including the 1970 murder of Count Filippo Giordano delle Lanze by his boyfriend. Subsequent owners faced similar fates: Christopher "Kit" Lambert, manager of The Who, bought it in 1971 but reportedly avoided sleeping there due to ghosts, later dying in London in 1981. Italian financier Raul Gardini, who purchased it in the 1980s, committed suicide in 1993 amid a corruption scandal.
Renovated Yet Haunted by Superstition
Now freshly renovated and marketed by Christie's International Real Estate and Engel & Völkers, the palazzo boasts Gothic arches, antique Murano chandeliers, and a loggia terrace. Described as an "architectural gem" in a peaceful Venetian neighbourhood, its sales pitch omits the grim stories that have deterred buyers for decades.
Even those merely associated with the palace faced alleged curses. Operatic tenor Mario Del Monaco abandoned plans to buy it after a car accident en route to a viewing, while The Who's bassist John Entwistle died a week after renting it in 2002. Rumoured interest from figures like Woody Allen never materialised, with many put off by its ghostly undertones.
Local Perspectives on the Legend
Venetians, known for their love of storytelling, have amplified these tales. Historian Davide Busato notes that rumours gained traction in the 1970s and exploded after Gardini's suicide, creating a "journalistic field day." He compares it to Poveglia island, another locally famed haunted site, suggesting Venetians enjoy embellishing stories to captivate outsiders.
Arnaldo Fusello of Christie's in Venice acknowledges the legends but points out that hundreds of inhabitants, including Giovanni Dario who died naturally at 80, lived long lives there. He emphasises that Venice has many historic buildings with dark pasts now serving as luxury hotels, and that legends often mix concrete facts with exaggeration.
Future Prospects for the Palazzo
Despite its eerie reputation, Fusello reports "a lot" of interest from both Italians and foreigners. He views the palazzo as a place where "history lives," urging any buyer to dedicate themselves to preserving its legacy. As the sale pushes forward, the challenge remains whether its architectural splendour can finally overcome centuries of superstition and attract a permanent owner to this iconic Venetian landmark.
