San Servolo, Academic island in Venetian Lagoon, Italy
San Servolo is an island in the Venetian Lagoon with a collection of historic structures reflecting its varied past. The campus includes conference facilities, gallery spaces for exhibitions, and accommodation buildings for visitors and students.
The island began as a Benedictine monastery in the 8th century and maintained this role for many centuries. Later it became a military hospital and subsequently operated as a psychiatric institution serving patients until the late 20th century.
The island carries the memory of its monastic past through its architecture and layout. Today it functions as a meeting place for international scholars and researchers from different countries.
Water buses run regularly between the island and central Venice, making it easy to reach from Piazza San Marco. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the island is best explored on foot.
A museum on the island preserves medical instruments and personal belongings from its years as a psychiatric facility. These objects tell quiet stories about the patients who lived and received care on the island.
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