Il Casino degli Spiriti
Many scaring stories circulate about this so called "House of the spirits" isolated over the lagoon, in the north of Cannaregio, some steps from Madona del Orto church. This large 16th century house is indeed part of the Contarini del Zaffo palace. Some say one can hear uncanny noises coming from it at night, other that they have seen flickering lights through the windows. Some say that magical rituals took place there. Others that back in time the deceased used to be put here for a while before being sent to San Michele. I've heard too that in recent years, some rich owners renovated the house and had one bathroom paint in black... Anyway, these owners, disturbed by some "ghosts", didn't live here too long.
posted by Pierre at 10:07 PM
12 Comments:
Whit that history I would open a hotel. Probably a lot of people who would like to spend at least one night there!
Yes, Steffe, apparently many people like it already, but ghosts don't have credit cards!
Fascinating, Pierre! We have a famous ghost in our family—she's been seen by lots of people. But she's friendly, and it sounds like the ghosts in this house aren't. I'd like to stay here though!
Another story linked to this palace: during the period after the Second World War, in Venice - like in other cities - the smuggling of cigarettes was flourishing. Linda Cimetta, a woman coming from Belluno, maybe a prostitute, often arrived in Venice to smuggle cigarettes, but one day she mysteriousness disappeared. Police investigating was able to find the gulties: three guys killed her with an axe, sawed her, closed the pieces in a trunk and threw it into the water.
During those days some boys dived in the Lagoon in front of the Casino degli Spiriti and they found a trunk full of crabs and
cuttlefishes: it was period of hunger, so everybody of them browled to catch something to eat. Do you imagine the scene when, under the fishes, they found the pieces of that woman too?
From that time no Venetian goes fishing in front of this palace, perhaps for tradition, respect or fear.
Thanks for this story Francesco. Btw your pics are beautiful!
With so many stories, perhaps there is a kernel of truth.
I would take that beautiful house, ghosts and all. Then I would ask my spiritual guide to visit and make friends with them all.
But really, is no one living there at all? Is the mark on the right corner a piece cracking off? It looks that way. I hope not!
What interesting stories! It is a shame no one lives there because of ghosts... It would be perfect for me since it is close to Murano!
I love Italy. I love Venice, and I love Your Blog :)
Krzysztof (form Poland).
I think the corner on the right is OK, Jean. It is one of those strengthening pieces of iron, with a stain caused by rusty rainwater running down it. The Palazzo is now a home for elderly nuns.
Thanks Francesco and Bert for all that knowledge about Venice.
Btw Bert, I've been amazed that you could identify Campo San Giacomo dall'Orio on March 26 pic. Well done!
Is using venezia.360map.it cheating?
I just checked a few campi, where there are usually flagpoles, and got lucky after about three or four. It's great fun!
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