Exclusively for locals: Venice island, known for its eerie vibe, to enforce a ban on tourists
In a significant move, the abandoned Venetian island of Poveglia, known for its grim history and reputation as one of the most haunted places in the world, is set to be transformed into an urban park exclusively for residents of Venice.
Local investors will take control of the 18.5-acre island on August 1 under a 99-year lease agreement. This redevelopment will strictly prohibit access to foreigners and tourists, reserving the space solely for the enjoyment of Venetian locals.
Poveglia's sad history dates back to an outbreak of the bubonic plague in the 18th century, brought to Venice by fleas on merchant ships. The farm buildings and military barracks on Poveglia were transformed into dormitories for the sick during the plague, where they were subjected to primitive treatments like bloodletting. The island was also used as a maritime quarantine dock during the plague outbreak.
In the 19th century, Poveglia became an asylum for mentally ill people, where they were often restrained and subject to experimental treatments. More than 160,000 people were buried on Poveglia between the 18th and 19th centuries due to the plague.
The renovation of Poveglia, which lacks electricity and running water, is being guided by the APsyM laboratory at the University of Verona's department of human sciences. The group managed to raise 460,000 euros and secure the lease for Poveglia.
The asylum on Poveglia closed in 1968, and the island has been uninhabited since. In 2014, the Italian State Property Agency put Poveglia on an auction list. The locals fought against property developers to ensure Poveglia remained a public asset. Several consortia raised money to buy Poveglia, including one tied to the current mayor of Venice, but none were approved by the state.
A group named Poveglia per Tutti (Poveglia For Everyone) was formed to save the island and other similar ones from being sold to private buyers. Veclani, the leader of the group, sees this as a small victory in reclaiming Venice from overtourism, a longstanding problem.
Poveglia gained notoriety from being exploited by foreign ghost-hunters, including US television series "Ghost Adventures." However, the island's spooky history has led some to believe it is haunted. Despite its haunted reputation, the transformation of Poveglia into an urban park promises a new chapter for the once infamous island.
References: [1] The Guardian. (2014, June 30). Venice's haunted island of Poveglia to be sold at auction. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/30/venice-haunted-island-poveglia-sold-auction
[2] The Independent. (2014, June 30). Ghost island of Poveglia goes up for auction. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ghost-island-of-poveglia-goes-up-for-auction-9652512.html
In this new phase, local investors aim to revitalize Poveglia, repurposing it as a tranquil urban park, providing a distinct lifestyle option for Venetian residents. Furthermore, the home-and-garden potential of the previously uninhabited island could offer unique opportunities for local gardening enthusiasts and residents seeking a peaceful escape within their city.
