Dear readers,

Today, I invite you on a journey through time to discover the lost islands of the Venetian Lagoon. These places, once vibrant and bustling, now lie hidden, shrouded in mystery and silence. Follow us on this fascinating and evocative exploration.

The Island of Lazzaretto Vecchio

Our journey begins with the Island of Lazzaretto Vecchio, located southeast of Venice. Founded in 1423, this island housed a quarantine hospital for plague victims. Walking among the ruins of the ancient buildings, we can still sense the atmosphere of fear and hope that characterized this place during the epidemics. Today, the island is an archaeological site and a precious treasure of history and memory.

The Island of Poveglia

We continue to the Island of Poveglia, perhaps the most famous among Venice’s lost islands. Poveglia is known for its dark and intriguing history. Used as a quarantine station during plague outbreaks and later as a psychiatric hospital, the island is now uninhabited and wrapped in legends of ghosts and mysteries. Despite its eerie appearance, Poveglia is a place of great charm and suggestion, where nature has slowly reclaimed the spaces abandoned by man.

The Island of San Clemente

Our exploration now takes us to the Island of San Clemente. Founded in the 12th century, San Clemente was an important religious center and housed a Benedictine monastery. Later, the island became a psychiatric hospital and rehabilitation center. Today, the island hosts a luxury resort, but traces of its past are still visible in the remains of the old buildings and the historic gardens.

The Island of Sant’Angelo della Polvere

We continue our journey with the Island of Sant’Angelo della Polvere, a small islet located in the central lagoon. In the 16th century, the island was used as an ammunition depot, which is how it got its name. Today, Sant’Angelo della Polvere is completely uninhabited and covered with dense vegetation. The ruins of the ammunition depot, wrapped in ivy, tell a story of abandonment and decay, but also of nature slowly reclaiming its space.

The Island of San Giacomo in Paludo

The final stop on our journey is the Island of San Giacomo in Paludo. This small island has a long and varied history: it was a monastery, a hospital, and finally a military barracks. Today, San Giacomo in Paludo is a quiet and peaceful place, where one can walk among the ruins of the ancient buildings and enjoy a spectacular view of the lagoon. The lush vegetation and the tranquility that permeates here make the island an ideal place for reflection and meditation.

The Magic of the Lost Islands

Dear readers, our journey through the lost islands of the Venetian Lagoon ends here. These places, suspended between history and legend, remind us of the fragility and beauty of our cultural heritage. Each island has its own unique story, made of glory and decay, life and abandonment. Exploring these islands is like leafing through the pages of an ancient book, where each chapter offers unexpected emotions and discoveries.

Thank you for following me on this journey through time. I look forward to our next Venetian adventure, where we will discover together new corners and stories of this extraordinary city.