Ghosts of Venice: 5 Haunting Locations to Explore

Beneath the romantic façade of Venice lies a shadowy underworld, where restless spirits and tragic tales whisper through the fog—dare you to explore its haunted depths?

Venice, the city of meandering canals and shadowy lanes, is renowned for its mystery and beauty, but its famous romantic exterior has a darker side too. There are spooky stories of haunted locations and restless ghosts haunting its ancient palazzos, crumbling islands, and foggy canals. The city is a maze of legends that stalk its streets, whether it's the ghost of long-lost lovers or famous legends. Join us on our ghost hunt as we explore 5 haunted places in Venice.

Be aware of the Curse! Yes, you heard it right almost everyone who has ever owned, occupied, or been involved with the building has had a tragic end, whether it be through a suicide, murder, accident, or bankruptcy. Built in 1479, the property overlooks the Venice Grand Canal and was home to many popular personalities including Casanova, and Machiavelli.

Manifest your dream of having a private island in Venice all to yourself, but this time it comes with some spooky and disturbing company! The Poveglia Island is deserted and desolate and is also referred to as the "Ghost Island" because of its dark past. The inhabitants of Poveglia were relocated to the Giudecca during the Genoans' invasion of Venice in 1379, and the island remained deserted for a long time. But in 1700, during the Black Plague, the island was turned into a sort of quarantine facility where Venetian plague sufferers were left to suffer and die. It is said that their ghost still haunts the place.

Also known as the tiny house of spirits, the Casino Degli Spiriti is believed to be bewitched for centuries. At its height, Tintoretto, Veronese, and Titian were among the frequent guests of this 16th-century iconic Casino, which also served as a gathering place for Venetian intellectuals, artists, and nobility, of that time. In the past, the structure was a hospital for people suffering from plague, later, autopsies were conducted in the anatomical theater. Afterward, the palace and its remains were abandoned, but many residents believe the location is cursed because of weird noises they have heard coming from there at night.

A twisted revenge story among the top Venice haunted places! Built and opened in the twelfth century, the popular gothic palace, Palazzo Mastelli del Cammello was formerly owned by three affluent brothers from the region of Peloponnese, named Reba, Afani, and Sandi. They dealt in spices and silk. According to Venetian tradition, they sought to cheat a rich widow by selling her bad-quality fabrics at a high price. Upon learning of the fraud, the widow made a wish to Saint Mary Magdalene to send down a curse on the payment she made. The brothers were turned into stone hard statues as soon as they touched the money, and these sculptures remain today as a reminder that dishonesty is punished by divine justice.

Among the many pieces of architecture lining the stately Canal, stands a graceful Palazzo Grassi, whose neoclassical façade exemplifies Venice's magnificence and creative legacy. The spirit of a little child who is said to have flung herself—or been thrown—from one of the balconies overlooking the palace courtyard is also said to haunt the palace. Will you dare to explore?