Island of San Servolo

The island of San Servolo, located in the Venice lagoon, is one of the most fascinating and historically rich places in the city. This small piece of land has witnessed centuries of transformations, hosting a variety of religious, military, and healthcare institutions that have left an indelible mark on its landscape and collective memory. The history of San Servolo begins in the 7th century, when the island was occupied by a Benedictine monastery. The monks transformed the island into a place of prayer and contemplation, contributing to the agricultural development of the surrounding area. During the 9th century, the monks were replaced by Benedictine nuns, who continued to manage the island until 1109, when it was granted to the Camaldolese monks. The latter remained until the end of the 15th century, when the Most Serene Republic of Venice began to use San Servolo for military and healthcare purposes. In 1647, during a period of great political and military instability, the island became the site of a military hospital. This transformation marked the beginning of a new phase for San Servolo, which went from a place of prayer to a center of medical care and assistance. The military hospital played a crucial role during the numerous wars that involved Venice in the following centuries, providing care to wounded soldiers and contributing to the fight against epidemics that often devastated the population. In 1725, the island of San Servolo assumed an even more significant role when it was transformed into a psychiatric hospital. This institution, known as the “San Servolo Asylum,” became one of the main centers of care for the mentally ill in Europe. For over two centuries, the hospital welcomed patients from all over Italy and abroad, offering innovative and experimental treatments. The hospital facilities were expanded and modernized over time, and San Servolo became a place of research and training for doctors and nurses. The psychiatric hospital of San Servolo closed definitively in 1978, following the Basaglia Law which decreed the closure of asylums in Italy. This event marked the end of an era for the island, but opened up new opportunities for its redevelopment and cultural enhancement. Today, the island of San Servolo is home to the San Servolo Foundation – Institute for Research and Experiences in Mental Health Care. The foundation is committed to preserving the historical memory of the psychiatric hospital and promoting research and education in the field of mental health. The island also houses a museum dedicated to the history of the hospital, where visitors can explore the old wards, medical instruments, and testimonies of patients and staff. San Servolo is also an important cultural and conference center. The ancient hospital structures have been transformed into modern exhibition spaces and conference rooms, hosting art exhibitions, cultural events, and scientific conferences. Among the most relevant initiatives are the Venice Art Biennials, during which the island becomes one of the exhibition venues for internationally renowned contemporary artists. The landscape of San Servolo, with its well-kept gardens and tree-lined avenues, offers an oasis of tranquility and beauty in the Venetian lagoon. Walking around the island, you can admire the church of San Servolo, dating back to the 18th century, and the neoclassical chapel, used for religious functions and cultural events. The panoramic views of the lagoon and the city of Venice make San Servolo an ideal place for moments of relaxation and contemplation. An interesting anecdote related to the island concerns the presence of a “devil’s stone,” a black stone slab located at the entrance of the church of San Servolo. According to legend, this stone was thrown by the devil himself to destroy the church, but was repelled by the strength of the monks’ faith. The stone, which bears mysterious engravings, is still visible today and attracts the attention of curious visitors.