Venice can be described as both haunting and magical. No one should be surprised to learn that Venice is home to many ghost stories.
Although there are many haunted spots in Venice, not all have ghost stories. Some places, such as Ca Dario’s palace, are simply cursed. Other parts of Venice also have ghosts. These are the stories about four of Venice’s most famous ghosts.
These stories and more are part of ghost walking tours that you can take in Venice. These are affiliate links, which means that I earn a small commission if you book one these tours. However, it won’t cost anything extra. Thanks.
-
Ghost and Vampire Tours to Venice with Viator -
Venice Ghost Walking Tour with Viator -
Mystery in Venice: Legends & Ghosts from the Cannaregio District by Viator
The Mad Doctor of Poveglia Island
According to one report, Poveglia is the most haunted European island. It has seen more than 160,000 plague deaths, and even a former insane asylum. Although it would seem creepy without any resident ghosts, some believe there are many. One of the most famous is probably the ex-asylum doctor, who is said have tortured his patients. He is believed to have gone insane himself, possibly seeing ghosts of the island, and then threw himself off the bell tower. Although he didn’t die immediately from the fall, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Many believe he haunts Poveglia, but it’s so difficult to reach the island if you don’t own a boat that very few people ever see the doctor.
Santa Croce’s Butcher
Biasio, a butcher, was a successful trader in 15th-century sausages and other meats in a richly flavor sauce. One diner discovered what appeared to have been a tiny piece of a finger. Police raided Biasio’s back shop to find that he was adding pieces of children he had killed into the food he was serving. He couldn’t remember how many children he had killed. Biasio was executed for his crimes at St. Mark’s Square. His shop and house were torn down. However, his name is still etched in the Riva de Biasio Vaporetto Stop.
The Casino degli Spiriti: The Painter
You can tell that this house is haunted by ghosts when it has a name like “Casino degli Spiriti”, which means small house of spirits. One of the many stories about the house’s rich history is the story of Luzzo, a 16th-century painter. Luzzo worked in the same time period as Venetian legends such as Titian, but his legacy seems to be one of unrequited affection. Luzzo was in love with Giorgione at the time. He then committed suicide because he realized that he could not have her. His ghost still haunts the house, pleading for the love he couldn’t have.
The Drowned Man at Campiello del Remer
A nobleman named Loredan, who was in the 16th century, fell in love with and married the Doge’s niece. Loredan was a very jealous man and later accused his wife, who denied the accusation. He chased her with a sword and eventually killed her in front the Doge. The Doge made Loredan carry the body of his wife to Rome and ask for forgiveness. Loredan refused to be seen by the pope, so he returned to Venice and, disillusioned, threw his body into the lagoon. It is believed that his ghost, carrying the head of his wife, can still be seen at Campiello del Remer on the Grand Canal.
