The Italian island where more than 100,000 died now a haven for dark tourism

Known as one of Italy’s most haunted spots, Poveglia island is shrouded in mystery, myth and legend.

Today, the island is entirely abandoned, adding even more to its eerie feel.

Poveglia is made up of three small islands, two are naturally formed, and the third resembles Venice through the use of wooden pillars and layers of earth. 

One island is entirely vegetation, the other houses the main buildings, and finally, the smallest is an octagon, used as a small fort to protect the island and act as a fort before reaching Venice.

Its haunted history has remained one of the most significant aspects of its identity.

Originally inhabited in the 7th century, the island was once a peaceful and quiet place to live. But by the 14th century, the War of Chioggia led to an extended conflict between the maritime republics of Genoa and Venice. As a result, the island became abandoned, reports say.

In 1776, it came under the jurisdiction of the local Public Health Office and served as a form of Customs control.

During the plague, it became a quarantine site and in the 20th century, it was used as a psychiatric hospital.

One of the most chilling tales about the island is that during the plague, diseased bodies were burnt there, figures estimate this happened to around 100,000 bodies on the island. Other theories say the bodies were put into “plague-pits”.

Today, not much remains on the island, although there are still some signs of its past inhabitants.

Some structures are still present on the island such as the hospital, the psychiatric ward, and some prisons.

The island is not open to public visitors, however, you can apply for special permission to see it in person. This is only usually granted to film crews, researchers or photographers.

Visiting the island today is dangerous due to the rundown and dilapidated buildings, which are structurally unsound.

To get there, people need to hire a private boat over to the island.