Poveglia Island

Between Venice and Lido lies an island so haunted that the Italian government forbids visitors. Those who enter rarely return unchanged.

Island of the Plague

During the bubonic plague outbreaks of the 1700s:

• The sick were brought here to die
• Over 160,000 plague victims were burned or buried
• Bodies were stacked in mass graves
• 50% of the island’s soil is composed of human ash and remains

Fishermen refuse to drop nets nearby, fearing they’ll pull up human bones.

The Asylum (1922-1968)

A mental hospital operated here with horrific results:

• A sadistic doctor performed experiments
• Lobotomies without anesthesia
• Patients reported seeing plague ghosts
• The doctor himself went mad

According to legend, the doctor threw himself from the bell tower after patients tormented him. A nurse claimed he survived the fall, but was strangled by a mist that emerged from the ground. The tower was sealed.

Paranormal Activity

The Bell Tower

The bell was removed decades ago, yet:

• It rings across the lagoon
• Visitors hear it clearly
• No source has been found

The Voices

• Screaming from empty buildings
• Moaning and weeping at night
• Whispers in Latin

The Plague Doctor

A figure in a bird-like plague mask:

• Seen walking among the ruins
• Carries a staff
• Disappears into the ground

Modern Expeditions

Italian TV show Scariest Places on Earth visited:

• Equipment malfunctions
• Crew members possessed
• Production cut short
• Several crew required hospitalization for psychological trauma

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Poveglia remains off-limits to visitors, though some tour operators illegally approach by boat.