Stuff You Missed in History Class Villa de Vecchi
15 snips
Oct 27, 2025 Explore the haunting allure of an abandoned mansion in northern Italy, once home to a prominent figure. Discover the eclectic designs of its architect and the contrasting legends surrounding its dark past, including notorious murder tales. Unravel the mystery of Aleister Crowley's connections to the site and hear chilling local ghost stories, such as a mysterious piano and eerie screams. Meanwhile, the villa's turbulent history intertwines with Fascist intrigue, linking to another infamous villa on Rhodes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Design Born From Travel And Taste
- Felice (Felix) De Vecchi built Villa di Vecchi as a neo-Gothic, East-inspired summer mansion reflecting his travels and artistic taste.
- Architect Alessandro Sidoli designed detailed frescoes, towers, and modern 19th-century comforts like plumbing and heating.
Murder Legend Versus Italian Records
- English-language sources often claim a grisly murder and kidnapping at Villa di Vecchi leading to Felice's suicide after a year-long search.
- Italian records contradict this: his wife died earlier and Felice died of liver disease in 1862, not suicide.
Crowley Fueled The Villa's Dark Myth
- Aleister Crowley's association with the villa amplified occult rumors, fueling stories of orgies, sacrifices, and suicides despite little evidence.
- Crowley's name and the empty house created a sensational reputation that outlived factual support.
