The Black Plague in Venice

The Black Plague in Venice: The City’s Curse

Venice has a long and dramatic history—one that includes some of the deadliest outbreaks of the Black Plague. As a major maritime power and trading hub, Venice was highly vulnerable to the spread of disease. Over the centuries, waves of the plague devastated the city, shaping its history, architecture, and even its traditions.

For travellers fascinated by these stories, walking through Venice means stepping into a city that has survived and adapted to the challenges of the past. In this post, we’ll explore the biggest waves of the Black Plague that struck Venice and how the city responded, leaving behind traces that can still be seen today.

The First Major Outbreak: The Black Death of 1347-1350

The Black Death arrived in Venice in 1347, brought by trade ships from the East. This was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history, killing between 30% and 60% of Europe’s population. For Venice, the consequences were devastating—entire families perished, and the city lost an estimated 50,000 people in just a few years.

At the time, little was understood about disease transmission, but the Venetian government quickly took action. In 1348, they established one of the world’s first quarantine stations, or lazaretti, on the small islands of Lazzaretto Vecchio and Lazzaretto Nuovo in the Venetian Lagoon. Suspected plague victims were isolated there, and arriving ships were required to undergo a 40-day quarantine (quaranta giorni—the origin of the word “quarantine”).

The Second Wave: The Plague of 1575-1577

Two centuries later, the plague struck again. The outbreak of 1575-1577 killed roughly 50,000 Venetians again—nearly a third of the population. In response, Venice intensified its quarantine measures, isolating the sick and strengthening public health controls.

One of the most iconic remnants of this plague is the Church of Il Redentore. As the epidemic raged, the Venetian Senate vowed to build a church dedicated to Christ the Redeemer if the city was spared. When the plague finally ended in 1577, construction began, and today, Il Redentore stands as a symbol of venetian resilience. Every year, locals still celebrate the Festa del Redentore in July, a festival that originated as a thanksgiving for surviving the plague.

The Third Wave: The Plague of 1630-1631

The last great wave of the plague in Venice occurred in 1630-1631, killing around 47,000 people—nearly half of the city’s population at the time. This epidemic was part of a larger outbreak that affected much of Northern Italy, including Milan.

Once again, Venice turned to faith for salvation. Doge Nicolò Contarini (the ruler of the Venetian Republic at the time) and the Venetian Senate promised to build a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary if the city was delivered from the plague. When the epidemic subsided, the majestic Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute was constructed at the entrance to the Grand Canal.

Today, this stunning Baroque church is one of Venice most recognisable landmarks, and every November, Venetians celebrate the Festa della Salute, a solemn yet beautiful pilgrimage across a temporary bridge to give thanks for the city’s survival.

Traces of the Plague in Modern Venice

As you explore Venice today, you can still see reminders of its battle with the Black Plague:

  • Lazzaretto Vecchio and Lazzaretto Nuovo: These abandoned islands once served as plague hospitals. They are now being restored, and guided tours are sometimes available.
  • Il Redentore: The Church of the Redeemer, built after the plague of 1575-1577, is a must-visit for history lovers.
  • Santa Maria della Salute: This grand church, built in gratitude after the 1630-1631 plague, is a stunning example of Venetian Baroque architecture.
  • The Festa del Redentore and Festa della Salute: These annual festivals still mark the city’s historical connection to the plagues.

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A Lesson of Resilience

Despite the devastation caused by the Black Plague, Venice survived, adapted, and even pioneered public health measures that influenced the world. Today, visitors can walk through the same streets where these historical events unfolded, visit the churches built as symbols of gratitude, and even explore the old quarantine islands.

For travellers who love history, Venice offers a glimpse into a past shaped by resilience, faith, and innovation—reminders that even in the darkest times, the city has always found a way to endure.