Poveglia is a small island in the Venetian Lagoon with a big time history of horrible happenings. It was once a safe haven for people on the run from barbarians. As time passed, the island transformed into a home for those who were infected with the plague in the 16th century. Then, it was a refuge for those who suffered from mental illness in the 20th century.
Over 160,000 people (some already dead and others waiting to die) were allegedly disposed of on the island while the plague ravaged Europe. Many believe that many of their souls haunt the island to this day.
Poveglia, Italy
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As you can see, there hasn’t been much going on on this tiny island in quite some time.
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Not involving people, at least.
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Living people, I should say.
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The island is rumored to be haunted by those who were sent there during the height of the plague and the mentally ill who were mistreated as patients of the asylum.
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The last family who inhabited the island couldn’t even make it one night before leaving.
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“Something” allegedly hit one of the family members hard enough for them to need 20 stitches.
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Don’t let the scaffolding fool you, there are no active construction projects taking place here. This is just to hold up the crumbling asylum.
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After all, what kind of builder wants to put something on what is essentially a mass graveyard?
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This open grave is located on a neighboring island, but is a still more welcome place than the haunted asylum on Poveglia.
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While you can’t see the bones of those who were left for dead like you can on other nearby islands, trust that they’re hidden beneath the heavy overgrowth that covers so much of the island.
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The bell tower of the asylum.
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The island looks beautiful.
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Like, really beautiful.
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But it also looks super creepy.
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Even the bravest of locals wouldn’t be caught dead on the island.
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Perhaps it’s best to admire from afar. I think I’m okay with that.
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(via MessyNessychic)
No matter how close this island is to Venice, there’s no reason for you to stop by it on your next trip to Europe. Its past is far too dark for any sightseeing.
