Hidden in the Venetian lagoon, Lazzaretto Nuovo Venice island is one of the most fascinating islands you can visit.
In the 15th century, it served as a quarantine station for ships coming from the Mediterranean.
Here, the first form of quarantine in the world was invented — the word itself comes from “quarantena,” meaning 40 days.
Today you can still walk inside the ancient warehouses where merchants, sailors, and goods were isolated to protect Venice from epidemics.
🏛️ What to See
🖋️ Original 15th-century graffiti carved by sailors and merchants
🌿 Nature paths surrounded by lagoon wildlife
🧱 Restored quarantine buildings and archaeological finds
🔭 Open views of the northern lagoon, perfect for photography
All visits are guided only, so you’ll hear real stories and anecdotes that you won’t find on travel blogs.
🧠 A Piece of History
Lazzaretto Nuovo was not a prison, but a health checkpoint.
Ships would dock here and wait until the crew and cargo were declared safe.
Inside, you can still see:
notes from captains,
signatures from sailors,
drawings of ships and trade routes.
It feels like reading a time capsule from the Renaissance.
⛵ How to Get There
Take vaporetto line 13 from Fondamente Nove.
Stop: “Lazzaretto Nuovo”
Travel time: ~ 15 minutes
⚠️ The island is only accessible with a guided tour, usually from April to October.
See 🚤 Vaporetto Venice — Complete Guide to Tickets, Lines & How to Use It
© Robert Kropf CC BY-SA 4.0
💡 Visiting Tips
Bring water — no cafés or shops on the island
Wear comfortable shoes (paths are unpaved)
Perfect for photography and history lovers
Tours are often only in Italian, but visuals are universal
✨ Why It’s Unique
Most people believe Venice is just streets and canals — instead, Lazzaretto Nuovo shows the lagoon’s forgotten past.
Quiet, authentic, mysterious.
A completely different Venice.
🔗 Combine with nearby islands
From Lazzaretto Nuovo, it’s easy to visit:
🌿 Vignole – The Green Escape of Venice
🍀 Torcello – The Island of Origins
🌿 Sant’Erasmo – The Garden of Venice
✨ Looking for more hidden islands? Explore them here: 👉 venetian islands – Discover the Lagoon Beyond Venice