Poveglia Island, known as the “Island of Death,” has a dark history, mystical tales, and an important role in European history, making it a destination full of mystery and eerie allure.
Poveglia Island, located in the Venetian lagoon, Italy, is known as the “Island of the Dead” due to its dark history involving plague, a cruel asylum, and the creepy stories that haunt it.
The island is not only full of myths and legends, but also has a long history of suffering and violence, making it one of the most mysterious and feared places in the world.
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Here are 10 interesting facts that reveal the dark side of Poveglia Island, a place that is still a subject of interest for lovers of history and mystical phenomena.
1. An Island Filled with 100,000 to 160,000 Corpses
Poveglia Island first became widely known for the tragedy that occurred there, namely the mass burial of victims of the plague, which occurred in the 14th century.
It is estimated that between 100,000 and 160,000 people died and were dumped on this island during the great plague.
Amidst the horrific conditions, workers were forced to carry away the ever-increasing number of corpses and dump them endlessly.
The burning of the bodies there created a terrifying sight, with ash and smoke blanketing the island for years. The human remains found on the island bear silent witness to the suffering endured by thousands.
2. People Avoid This Island Because of Local Beliefs
Most Venetians and fishermen avoid Poveglia Island because of fear of its dark history. A growing legend states that charred human bones still wash up on the island’s shores, leading to the island being viewed as a cursed place.
It is said that fishermen who dare to approach feel intimidated and often see strange sights, so they choose not to pass close to this island.
3. The Island as a Plague Colony in the 14th Century
In the 14th century, when the plague struck Europe, Poveglia Island was used by the Venetian government as a quarantine place for infected people.
People showing symptoms of the plague would be brought to the island and dumped there, to prevent further spread to mainland Venice.
During this time, the island was used as a mass burial ground and was a very poor place to live for the infected people, many of whom died due to the poor conditions on the island.
4. Poveglia Island Became a Prison in the 18th and 19th Centuries
After the plague subsided, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Poveglia Island became a prison and place of exile for those deemed a threat to society.
The Venetian government at that time used the island as a place to detain people who were considered dangerous.
Although there is no definite record of how long the island functioned as a prison, the presence of a number of criminals there adds a dark layer to the island’s history.
5. Horrifying Mental Hospital
In 1922, Poveglia Island was converted into a mental hospital. However, the hospital was notorious for its inhumane treatment of patients. Dr. Paolo, a renowned doctor who worked at the hospital, was known to perform extremely cruel medical experiments, including lobotomies performed without anesthesia and electric shocks on his patients.
Patients suffering from various physical, mental, and neurological diseases were often treated harshly and many eventually died under the care of this doctor.
The cruelty of this treatment led to the hospital being closed in 1968, but its dark history continues to live on in the public memory.
6. Mental Hospital Doctor Dies Mysteriously
The story of Dr. Paolo ended in a very mysterious and gruesome way. One day, Dr. Paolo reportedly jumped from the hospital’s bell tower, which is said to be one of the scariest places on the island.
Some believe that his death was caused by an overwhelming fear of the spirits of the patients he had tortured. Others claim that the sound of the bell from the bell tower can still be heard today, even though it was removed many years ago.
7. Sale of Island to Private Owner in 2014
After years of abandonment, Poveglia Island was finally sold by the Venetian government to a private owner in 2014.
However, the decision to sell the island raised concerns that it would be exploited commercially, especially given its dark reputation.
Many feared that the island would be turned into a paid tourist attraction that would attract thrill seekers and visitors with an interest in the paranormal.
8. Places Famous in Paranormal Television Shows
Poveglia Island is a place that is often explored in various television shows discussing paranormal phenomena.
One of them is the famous program Ghost Adventures, which features an investigation into supernatural activities on the island.
Several shows such as Scariest Places on Earth have also visited the island to look for evidence of mystical forces that still haunt the area. The community believes that the island is full of spirits that have not found peace.
9. Poveglia and Its Scary Medical History
In addition to the medical experiments conducted by Dr. Paolo, many believe that the soil on Poveglia Island contains burned human remains, and that the soil contains 50% human ashes.
This fact was revealed through archaeological investigations that revealed that more than 1,500 human skeletons were found on the island, indicating how severe the plague was in the past.
This adds to the tension and horror of the island, which has long been considered a cursed place.
10. Poveglia: Object of Paranormal Interest
Due to its dark history and lore, Poveglia Island has become a subject of interest for paranormal researchers.
Many believe that the island is still haunted by spirits trapped there, including the souls of plague victims and mental hospital patients who died tragically.
Although no paranormal investigations have proven any such activity, the island’s popularity among fans of the mystical world continues to grow.
Poveglia Island is one of the most haunted and historical places in the world. From plagues that claimed thousands of lives to cruel medical experiments and haunting paranormal stories, the island still holds many unsolved mysteries.
Although it has been sold to private owners, the island remains a symbol of past suffering and the fear that surrounds it.
The existence of Island of the Dead Dolls reminds us of a dark history that we must remember and learn from, despite all the horrors that accompany it.
