As I already mentioned in the last article about the island of San Servolo, you will find the Museo della Follia (Museum of Mental Illness) in the ex insane asylum (beginning of 1700 – 1978): the exposition introduces the visitor to the history of the island and the mental illness in the lagoon (with the first document from 1725, penned by the Consiglio dei Dieci, that “exiled” Lorenzo Stefano on the island) showing the different treatment methods of the 19th century (electroshock, forced showers, handcuffs, chains,…) and their evolution (music therapy) to the objects produced by the patients.
The exposition is bilingual (Italian-English) and free of charge. I think a visit of the museum (for all those interested in the other side of Venetian history) and the island, that is one of the most beautiful ones in the lagoon, is certainly worth it.
We went to the museum without calling first (in case you’d prefer a guided tour you have to let them know first). Here you will find the contact details:
http://www.fondazionesanservolo.it
+39 041 5240119
Opening hours:
Mo-Thu/Sa-Su: 09.30 – 17.30
Fr: 09.30 – 15.30
How to get there: The vaporetto nr 20 stops right in front of the museo della follia and leaves at San Marco San Zaccaria (every 40 minutes). It takes about 10 minutes to reach San Servolo.
