Frequently asked questions

Who does Poveglia belong to?

Poveglia belongs to you and to everyone who, like you, loves it, wants to share it, and wants to care for it and keep it free.
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How can I help?

Joining is the simplest way to contribute to this project.

Filling out this questionnaire will help us with research on perceptions and evaluations regarding the enhancement of public assets from a citizen's perspective.

If you'd like to participate more actively, you can contact us to join the board or to help with island maintenance.
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How can I get to Poveglia?

By private or rented boat. The island is not accessible by public transport.

The organisation arranges transport to the island and back only during special events.

You can check on the calendar when the next event is planned, and you will be notified of upcoming events through our mailing list if you become a member.
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Is Poveglia accessible?

Currently, landing and access are prohibited on the built-up island managed by the State Property Agency.

The northern island, the one without buildings, has been under concession to Poveglia per tutti since August 1, 2025; you can land there via a pre-existing temporary pontoon that does not meet safety standards, which the Association intends to replace.
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Are there bars and facilities on Poveglia?

No, Poveglia is a wild, green island — there are no bars, refreshment points, facilities, water, or electricity.
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Do you provide shuttle service?

We organize transport for some of the scheduled events. To reach the island independently, you need to arrange your own boat or rent one.
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Is Poveglia haunted? Was it a lazaretto or mental asylum?

These legends are all made up.

Poveglia was used as a quarantine station for ships, but it is not a mass grave for plague victims.

And the asylum? It was actually a geriatric sanatorium. The island served important health functions from 1782 to 1968, helping to prevent the spread of disease in Venice during cholera and plague epidemics.

Read the island's history to learn more.
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Can I have a barbecue on Poveglia?

Do not light fires on Poveglia — better to bring a packed lunch!

Imagine how sad it would be to wake up one morning and discover that this dream had literally gone up in smoke.
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Where can I dispose of rubbish after a picnic?

There are no bins on the island because there is no rubbish collection.

Always make sure to take your waste with you and, if you find any, pick up any litter left behind or washed up by the current.
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