Venetian ghost stories

The charm of Venice reaches its peak when summer gives way to autumn. The fog that slowly envelops the city gives it a suggestive and elegant appearance, though shrouded in mystery. Behind its alleys lie ancient legends that over time have become an integral part of its history. And what better time to remember them than in October, the month beloved by those who enjoy stories of spirits and ghosts?

It is said that numerous ghosts inhabit the streets of Venice and the surrounding islands, such as the gentle soul that resides in the rooms of Palazzo Grassi. Behind its imposing beauty lies a tragic story: a young woman, who died under mysterious circumstances, allegedly fell from a balustrade. Her spirit does not disturb or frighten the palace’s visitors, but it is said that sometimes she approaches to whisper her name. One of the most intriguing testimonies comes from a former night watchman, who, during one of his usual rounds in the palace with the lights off, heard a cry begging him to stop. Shining his flashlight, he discovered a chasm in the floor, due to renovation work he hadn’t accounted for. That cry, probably, saved his life.

A few steps away, between Corte Nova and Calle Zorzi, lies the Sotoportego of Corte Nova, inside which stands out a peculiar red stone. In 1630, Giovanna, a resident of the Castello district, had a vision of the Madonna, who suggested she paint a picture depicting Her image along with Saints Roch, Sebastian, and Justina, to protect the city from the plague. The painting was displayed precisely in that underpass, and miraculously, the district was spared from the terrible epidemic, which suddenly dissipated. However, the painting mysteriously disappeared, leaving in its place the red stone, where, according to legend, the plague was swallowed up. Since then, Venetians avoid stepping on it, fearing bad luck and misfortune.

Finally, a more recent legend concerns the statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, located on the avenue of the same name in the Castello district, at the entrance to the Biennale Gardens. Behind the hero, at the foot of the hill where the statue stands, there is another character: Giuseppe Zolli, a Garibaldian who swore to protect Garibaldi even after death. In 1921, a Venetian named Vinicio Salvi was pushed to the ground by a mysterious red shadow while collecting snails in the Gardens. Initially, his testimony was not believed, but similar episodes continued to occur, so much so that even the gendarmes fell victim to it. An elderly local finally recognized the shadow as the spirit of Giuseppe Zolli, who had recently passed away. To honor his promise of loyalty to Garibaldi, the inhabitants decided to erect a statue of Zolli, placed behind the leader. From that moment on, the ghost no longer appeared.

Venice, with its fascinating stories and mysteries hidden behind every corner, never ceases to enchant and captivate its visitors. These legends, intertwined with its rich history, only strengthen the timeless charm of the city, where past and present meet in a unique and suggestive atmosphere. Walking through the Venetian streets means immersing yourself in a world where reality merges with myth, and every step tells an ancient secret.