Lazzaretto Nuovo, island of Venice
Lazzaretto Nuovo is a small island in the Venice Lagoon, about 3 kilometers northeast of the city, with preserved structures from different periods. The site spans roughly 9 hectares with defensive walls, large warehouse buildings, 19th-century fortifications, and open grassy areas surrounded by old trees and marsh plants.
The island was inhabited since the Bronze Age and was built as a quarantine station by Venice in 1468 for ships arriving from southern ports with disease risks. In the 18th century, its function shifted to military defense, and it remained under army use until 1975 before restoration began as a cultural site from 1977 onward.
The name comes from the Italian word for quarantine station, rooted in Arabic origins. The island reflects how deeply health and safety mattered to Venice, values that still shape how people understand and experience this place today.
The island is reached by Vaporetto line 13 from Fondamenta Nuove, with the stop being optional so you must ask the driver in advance. Guided tours run from April through October and last about 75 minutes, focusing on the history, buildings, and natural features of the site.
The main building, the Great Tezon, dates from the 14th century and stretches over 100 meters long, making it one of Venice's largest public buildings after the Arsenal. Its walls bear old drawings and graffiti left by merchants and guards, creating a personal record of daily activity across centuries.
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