26 Forgotten Villages Around the World Being Reclaimed by Nature

18. The Vanishing Isle of Poveglia, Italy

Poveglia, a small island in the Venetian Lagoon, has a dark and haunting history. Once a refuge for plague victims and later an asylum, Poveglia is shrouded in tales of suffering and death. Today, the island is abandoned, with crumbling buildings and overgrown vegetation. Its isolation and eerie past contribute to its mystique, making it a chilling reminder of human tragedy and the passage of time. Poveglia's story is a blend of history, folklore, and the persistent power of nature.