The island of Santo Spirito, located between the Lido and Giudecca, is now on sale for almost 9 million euros. After years of abandonment, the property, sold by the State to Poveglia srl in 2003 for 350 thousand euros, is managed for sale by the Quimmo agency, which describes it as a unique investment opportunity for residential development in the Venice lagoon. There will be an auction that will be open until June 25th.
The recovery plan
In 2014, an approved recovery plan envisaged a volume of approximately 30 thousand square meters to accommodate 144 residents. The project included 4,200 square meters of covered area and 1,500 for public use. Among the planned interventions were the reconstruction of 19th century buildings, the restoration of six military structures and the renovation of the powder magazine bunker. However, despite the great historical value of the island, which dates back to the late Middle Ages, the area is still in a state of degradation and semi-abandonment.
The new renovation
The Quimmo agency underlines that the recovery project takes into account the pre-Napoleonic historical reference envisaged by the Variation of the General Town Plan. Existing buildings will undergo renovation, while new buildings will replace existing ones. Furthermore, technological networks, routes and landing places will be created for both the private and public parts. The Territorial Planning Plan also provides for the creation of a dock for the future inhabitants of the island.
The History of the Island of Santo Spirito
The island of Santo Spirito has a history dating back to the 11th-12th century, initially inhabited by various religious orders such as the Canons Regular, the Cistercians and the Hermits. The latter rebuilt part of the convent and the church, decorated with works of art by Palma the Elder and Titian.
The order of the Hermits and that of the Observant Friars Minor
In the 17th century, Pope Alexander VII suppressed the order of the Hermits and the Venetian senate sold their assets to finance war expenses. The island was then assigned to the Observant Minor Friars fleeing from Candia, remaining in their possession until 1806.
The arrival of Napoleon
With the arrival of Napoleon Bonaparte, the island was transformed into a military garrison and then abandoned. During the Second World War, it was used as a powder magazine. After the conflict, the island remained abandoned until the early 2000s.
