The Venetian lagoon island of Poveglia, put up for auction in May 2014, has not been sold. The single bid offered by local entrepreneur Luigi Brugnaro was judged too low by the Demanio (the Italian State Property Office, which is the owner. Brugnaro's bid was 513,000, The Demanio curtly replied that this was the equivalent sum for an apartment in Venice and not for an island of 7.25 hectares.

The Poveglia per Tutti (Poveglia for Everyone) committee of citizens, contrary to the sale, rejoiced at the state's refusal. The committee is collecting funds to make an alternative offer for the property. However, maintenance is the main problem. The State spent 22 million over the last fifteen years shoring up the banks to prevent erosion.

Poveglia's main claim to fame is that it is said to be the world's most haunted island. It possesses a ruined castle and a monastery, as well as a quarantine station and a hospice for plague sufferers. A hospital for the aged and mentally ill was opened on the island in 1922 but the many ghostly visitations apparently drove the director to suicide.

Phantoms or otherwise, whoever takes on the island will have to face huge reconstruction and maintenance costs. The idea of converting some of the buildings into a luxury hotel has been aired but no-one knows whether well-heeled guests will be brave  or curious enough  to sleep there!

Info: www.agenziademanio.it/poveglia