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Poveglia Island’s Transformation: A Local’s Escape from Tourism

Poveglia Island’s Transformation: A Local’s Escape from Tourism

James Miller, GetTransfer.com
da 
James Miller, GetTransfer.com
4 minuti di lettura
Notizie
Agosto 01, 2025

Activists to Create a Public Park on Poveglia Island

Poveglia Island, an often-overlooked part of Venice’s unique landscape, is set to be transformed into a public park aimed at providing a much-needed respite for locals from the heavy influx of tourists each year.

Your Support Matters

This initiative, spearheaded by a grassroots organization known as Poveglia per Tutti (Poveglia for Everyone), has recently gained the green light from the Italian government, thus paving the way for the park’s development starting August 1. The project has been a particular focus for residents and supporters over more than a decade, aimed at preserving a significant yet deteriorating site from falling into neglect or privatization.

As local activists rally for this cause, the goal is not only to beautify the island but also to enhance the community spirit by engaging residents in its future management. The park is designed to be accessible and safe, promoting “active participation” and local governance practices.

Islands in the Heart of Venice: A Solution to Overtourism

Amidst Venice’s struggle with overtourism, various measures have been introduced, including a tax on day-trippers and the banning of cruise ships from the city center. These decisions stem from a growing community concern that tourism overwhelms local infrastructure and erodes public space. The rethinking of spaces like Poveglia Island exemplifies a hopeful alternative, prioritizing the needs of residents over the constant stream of tourists.

The Historical Context of Poveglia

Poveglia has a checkered past, having served as a quarantine station during plagues in the 18th century and later being used as a mental asylum until its closure in 1968. Its history has painted a haunting image, contributing to its abandonment over the decades.

The Poveglia per Tutti group has allocated approximately €300,000 for the initial phases of park development and is actively seeking further funding. A collaboration with the University of Verona will assess the social impacts of this redevelopment, ideally establishing a sustainable model of community management for historical assets.

The Residents’ Perspective

Many Venetians feel a pressing need for change, as tourism numbers surged to nearly 30 million visitors per year, with approximately 21 million of them visiting solely for the day. This extreme visitation strains local resources and diminishes the quality of life for residents. The historical center of the city, once home to just over 170,000 residents in 1954, has dwindled to around 49,000 today—a stark reminder of the shifting priorities in Venice.

  • 30 million tourists visit Venice annually.
  • Approximately 21 million are day visitors.
  • Resident population reduced to approximately 49,000 from 170,000 in 1954.

A Vision for the Future

The transformation project is backed by thousands of supporters, while the group passionately invites more volunteers to participate in creating “a new idea of managing community assets.” By establishing this park, there’s a concerted effort to reconnect locals with their environment, instilling a sense of pride and preserving history. Exploratory measures, including public workshops and local engagement activities, are intended to foster community spirit and civic pride.

Conclusione

Poveglia’s proposed transformation into a public park signifies a hopeful turn, rebirthing a neglected part of Venice into a sanctuary for its residents while offering a vision of sustainable tourism. While reviews and insights may paint a picture of possibilities, nothing can truly compare to experiencing these changes firsthand. GetExperience.com enables travelers to book unique local experiences with verified providers, ensuring a connection to the place and its people, while promising adventure activities, museum tours with live guides, and more without unnecessary disappointments or excess costs. These offerings empower travelers to make informed decisions while exploring Venice and beyond. Book your Trip with GetExperience.com, where every experience is crafted to meet your desires.

Poveglia Island’s transformation not only aims to create a recreational haven for residents but also seeks to inspire similar initiatives across tourist-heavy locales worldwide. This ambition resonates with the necessity for sustainable tourism practices that integrate cultural programs and community needs while exhibiting the island’s fascinating history and heritage.