Remaining intact in the arrangement of the furnishings desired by its illustrious last owner, as per his will, the Palace is a unique example of a private historic residence that in its magnificence recalls the famous Vittoriale of Gardone Riviera.

Built at the end of the 16th century at the behest of Minuccio Minucci, diplomat of the Holy See and Archbishop of Zara, the palace stands in the historic village of Serravalle, in the heart of Vittorio Veneto.

I wish that the affection with which I have always surrounded my house in Vittorio Veneto will allow it to last intact over time. In it I have gathered collections, memories, relics, I would almost say experiences, as much as corresponds to an intensely lived life.

(Giacomo Camillo De Carlo)

It is within these walls that Giacomo Camillo De Carlo lived, the first Italian 007, cavalry officer, pilot, highly decorated military hero and eclectic collector of works of art and memorabilia collected during his travels around the world.

A truly heterogeneous heritage that includes furnishings and objects, silverware and precious stones, works of art and tapestries, arranged in an original and imaginative way by De Carlo himself according to his own very particular taste, including, truly noteworthy, a collection of Chinese ambers among the most important in the world.

Born in Venice at the end of the 19th century, Giacomo Camillo De Carlo lived a life that was nothing short of adventurous, dedicated to his diplomatic and military career. Son of Paola Morpurgo, sister of the Trieste philologist Salomone Morpurgo, De Carlo was among the creators of Giovane Italia, the top-secret counter-espionage unit active during the two World Wars.

In 1918 he set out on a legendary expedition beyond the Piave river, spending almost three months among enemy troops to recover information useful for victory. After several attempts at repatriation, all of which failed because the enemy police were hunting him, he successfully organized a daring return by sea.

His valor and courage earned him the nickname “flying spy” and, above all, the gold medal for military valor, awarded to him on April 23, 1923. During his expeditions, especially in North Africa and the Far East, De Carlo devoted himself to collecting artifacts and particular objects that became part of the furnishings of the palace, leaving us a magnificent testimony of the taste of the time.

From the luxurious living rooms to the ballroom located on the main floor, to the kitchens, equipped with all the most modern equipment of the time, to the library, to the various bedrooms, all the rooms retain a magnetic charm.

To learn more about the history of the famous spy, you can read the book “Camillo De Carlo and his Palace” by Francesca Costaperaria.

During the year, concerts and cultural events are organized in the Palace, which are reported on the official website.

The Secret

It is said that De Carlo himself, through a psychic, expressed the wish that the rooms of his Palace be embellished with lavender flowers. The staff granted him his wish, so in addition to ensuring that the flowers are always fresh, they placed a bottle of Atkinsons English Lavender, the “flying spy’s” favorite fragrance, in a glass showcase in the ballroom.