The greatest scourge the Serenissima experienced over the centuries was the bubonic plague. The two deadliest epidemics were in 1570 and in 1630. How did the Venetians counter this terrible disease? With lazarettos. When the plague appeared in the city, it was decided to isolate all plague victims by confining them to the island of the old lazaretto, opposite the Lido, to isolate them from the rest of the population. It was later decided that all those arriving in Venice from abroad, before entering the city, should spend forty days on the island of the New Lazzaretto, near Sant’Erasmo, together with the goods they were carrying.
These places can be seen on guided tours. For information and bookings www.lazzarettiveneziani.it