When you picture Venice, you probably think of gondolas gliding under the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s shimmering in the sun, or the maze of canals that seem straight out of a dream. But just a short boat ride south of the city lies Poveglia — a small, uninhabited island that has been called the most haunted place in the world.
For centuries, Poveglia was a place Venetians avoided at all costs. Now, in a remarkable twist, locals have come together to reclaim it — and transform it into a peaceful, residents-only park.
This is the story of Poveglia’s heritage, myths, and its surprising new chapter.
A Brief History of Poveglia
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Early Settlement (5th–14th Century)
First mentioned in 421 AD, Poveglia began as a refuge for Venetians fleeing barbarian invasions on the mainland. Over the centuries, it grew into a small but thriving community, even holding its own council. But in 1379, during Venice’s war with Genoa, the island was evacuated for strategic reasons — and never permanently repopulated. -
The Plague Years
In the late 1700s, the island was converted into a lazaretto — a quarantine station for ships suspected of carrying plague. Anyone showing symptoms was left there to die, and the dead were buried in vast mass graves. Some estimates say over 100,000 people were interred on the island. -
The Asylum Era
In 1922, existing buildings were turned into a psychiatric hospital. Local legend claims that one doctor conducted horrific experiments on patients before meeting a mysterious death. The hospital closed in 1968, and since then, Poveglia has been left to crumble — its bell tower and abandoned structures standing as eerie silhouettes over the lagoon.
The Legends That Keep Ghost Hunters Awake
Poveglia’s history of disease, death, and despair gave rise to a chilling reputation:
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The Island of Ghosts – Locals whisper about the cries of plague victims still carried on the wind.
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The Doctor’s Curse – Visitors claim to see the shadow of the asylum doctor wandering near the bell tower.
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Unseen Hands – Some fishermen refuse to sail too close, saying their boats have been “pushed” from below.
These tales made Poveglia a favorite on ghost-hunting TV shows and paranormal YouTube channels. For decades, the island was off-limits to the public, adding to its aura of forbidden mystery.
A New Chapter: From Cursed Land to Community Sanctuary
In 2025, the story took a dramatic turn.
A grassroots group called Poveglia per Tutti (“Poveglia for Everyone”) launched a fundraising campaign with a catchy idea: €99 for 99 years. More than 4,500 Venetians contributed, raising enough to secure a six-year renewable lease on the island from the Italian government.
The Plan
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Turn Poveglia into a green park for residents only — no tourist entry, no mass marketing.
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Restore native vegetation and create walking paths, shaded rest areas, and a herb garden.
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Involve local universities and environmental experts to protect the island’s unique ecosystem.
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Keep the island’s wild, untamed feel — no hotels, no restaurants, no cruise ship excursions.
The project is part preservation, part protest — a statement against Venice’s overtourism crisis, which often leaves residents feeling like guests in their own city.
Challenges Ahead
Reclaiming Poveglia isn’t simple:
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The island has no electricity, no running water, and no public docks.
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Its historic buildings are in severe disrepair, requiring careful restoration.
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Strict heritage protection laws mean every modification must respect the island’s historical character.
But supporters say these challenges are part of the charm. The aim is not to modernize Poveglia but to let it breathe again — to give Venetians a place of peace away from the crowds.
Why Poveglia Matters
For Venetians, this project is about more than saving a patch of land. It’s about taking back a piece of the lagoon’s identity, protecting it from becoming another “tourist attraction” stripped of meaning.
For the rest of the world, Poveglia’s transformation is a rare example of a community resisting commercialization — turning a place of tragedy into a symbol of resilience.
Visiting Poveglia? Not So Fast…
If you’re a tourist, you won’t be able to just hop on a vaporetto and explore. The island will remain off-limits to non-residents, and that’s exactly the point. Its future depends on giving Venetians space — something increasingly rare in one of the world’s busiest tourist cities.
From Shadows to Sunlight
Poveglia’s story has everything: history, horror, community spirit, and a hopeful future.
From a refuge for plague victims to a whispered ghost story, and now to a sanctuary for locals, the island is a living reminder that places can be reborn — if people care enough to fight for them.
In a city where space is scarce and crowds are constant, Poveglia might just become the quiet heart of the Venetian lagoon.
