Lazzaretto vecchio e nuovo

Amidst the serene waters of the venetian lagoon lies two islands with a profound, historical significance: Lazzaretto Nuovo and Lazzaretto Vecchio. These two places, whose names translate to New and Old quarantine, stand as silent, fascinating monuments of Venice's practical approach to trade and public health during the era of the serenissima.

Established in 1423, it was the first permanent quarantine station in the world. Its purpose was to isolate travellers arriving from plague-sicken regions. Imagine ships anchored nearby, their crews and goods awaiting clearance. This island pioneered the concept of quarantena (fourty days, like the covid pandemic one) setting a global standard for disease control.

Today, Lazzaretto vecchio offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the past, with ongoing archeological work uncovering layers of venetian history, reminding us of the city’s early scientific and bureaucratic ingenuity.

Established later in 1468, served a different, though related function. It acted as a preventive quarantine centre, primarily for goods and merchandise. Ships arriving in Venice would have their precious cargoes (with silk, species, and timbers) unloaded here. The goods were aired and fumigated in the long, striking buildings known as the Teson Grande, ensuring the serenissima’s lucrative trade continued safely.

Walking through this island is like stepping back in time into the Republic’s economic power. Nowadays, the island host an important museum and offers guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the massive storage buildings and the defensive structures built to protect this vital economic gateway.

For our guest whom are intrigued by lesser known facets of the serenissima, this is an incredibly rewarding journey: it offers a powerful narrative about how Venice managed to thrive through centuries of global trade with such great innovation. Are you ready to uncover the secrets within these places? Contact us to book an exceptional vacation here in Venice!