An island where the sick were taken
The history of Poveglia goes back deep into the past, but the major turning point came during the plague epidemics. The island began to serve as a quarantine station where people suspected of being infected were taken. For many, it was a last resort.
The sick were isolated from the rest of the world, often with no real chance of return. Those who died were buried on the island, in some periods even burned in mass graves. It is estimated that thousands of people died here.
This chapter is one of the reasons why Poveglia is still spoken of with such respect, and often fear.
The dark legend of the psychiatric hospital
To make matters worse, a psychiatric hospital was established here in the 20th century. And it is from this time that the most famous legends that have made Poveglia a "haunted island" originate.
According to the story, one of the doctors was supposed to conduct unethical experiments on the patients. He was said to have gone mad himself and eventually jumped off the island's tower. However, these stories have no solid historical evidence and fall more into the realm of local legend.
The fact remains that the sanatorium was later closed and the island has remained empty ever since.
Why Poveglia is inaccessible today
Today, Poveglia is officially closed. The reasons are quite prosaic: dilapidated buildings and risk of accidents, unmaintained terrain, lack of infrastructure. Nevertheless, an aura of mystery still surrounds the island. Local fishermen often avoid it, and stories of strange noises or feelings of unease circulate among the people.
The reality is probably less supernatural (but all the more disturbing). Poveglia is above all a place where human tragedy has been concentrated.
Today the island, located roughly between the historic centre of Venice and the Lido di Venezia, is slowly becoming overgrown with vegetation and decay. It remains enclosed, quiet and remote. And perhaps that is why it is so fascinating.
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