Ghost towns hold a certain allure, especially for those who love to travel and discover lesser-known or even forgotten places that give rise to fascinating legends and stories. The ghost towns of Veneto are more than you might imagine: old abandoned villages, places unknown to most, and cities offering eerie landscapes you wouldn't want to find yourself in at night.
Jokes aside, Veneto is a region with a diverse landscape, from the lagoon to the Dolomites. Therefore, among the twists and turns of these landscapes, you can find particularly evocative ghost towns waiting to be discovered . If you're planning a stay in Veneto and want to experience the thrill of visiting unique destinations, don't miss these ghost towns!
Places rich in history and mystery, perfect for a unique adventure
California of Gosaldo
We begin our journey through the ghost towns of Veneto in the Belluno Dolomites , specifically in the ancient village of California di Gosaldo, known as California . It was a significant mining center in the area, and it is no coincidence that it takes its name from the American state known for its gold riches. However, the depletion of mining activities led people to abandon the town, which no longer offered any attractions. Some tourists attempted to reinhabit the center of California, but abandoned their homes following a violent flood.
Today, only a shadow remains of the city of gold, a reminder of the fertile period when people once inhabited the town and earned their living from mining. To visit this ghost town, simply stay in Gosaldo and drive to the center for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Smokegai
Also nestled in the Belluno Dolomites is the ancient village of Fumegai . To reach this ghost town, however, you must walk for more than four kilometers: this ancient mountain pasture was abandoned by its inhabitants precisely because of its geographic isolation.
The interesting thing about this "ghost town" is that in the 1970s, a group of hippies decided to make Fumegai their home. The hippies had found an isolated, natural, and perhaps even revolutionary area to settle. After a few years, they too abandoned this fascinating place, and today it's possible to enter the abandoned homes and find them filled with their belongings. Fumegai is the ideal ghost town for those seeking a captivating nature adventure and unique photographic material.
Poveglia
One of the most fascinating ghost towns in the Veneto region is located in the Venetian Lagoon , and it's not a city, but an entire island. Poveglia , an island with a distinctive octagonal shape, is known as the Island of Ghosts or even the Island of the Dead.
Poveglia is a ghost town you can only visit if you're truly daring, as it's one of the most haunted places in the world. Paranormal experts have come to study this Venetian island, and the international press has found the location fascinating.
Poveglia was a military outpost in the 14th century, which in the 17th century became a hospital for plague patients when the disease was raging throughout Europe. Poveglia's sinister history doesn't end there: it's said that in 1900, a secret asylum was built here, where patients were tortured by doctors who took the liberty of using unauthorized practices. To set foot on this island, you'll need courage and a private boat, as there are no official ferries to reach Poveglia.
Little Bears
To conclude our journey through the haunted towns of Veneto, we head to Orsetti , a town in the Vicenza area, a hamlet of Recoaro Terme, an area famous for the most important thermal spas in the Veneto region. Orsetti is a small, abandoned mining village located near the quarries that once provided gravestone material. The houses are overgrown and very few in number.
From the houses, a path leads to the quarries at the foot of Mount Scandolara. The village of Orsetti was abandoned by its inhabitants once the available mining material was exhausted, and today it offers a fascinating visit for those who enjoy this kind of adventure.
Visit the Veneto
For those visiting the Veneto region and planning a slightly unusual vacation, discovering these villages and places far removed from mass tourism can be truly beautiful, fun, and exciting. To do so easily and conveniently, it's always best to book an apartment online in advance . This way, you'll have the freedom to explore the area without worries.
