Venice locals win bid to convert abandoned island into sanctuary from millions of tourists who clog famed city
Part of Poveglia, an island south of the Italian city, has been deserted and closed to visitors for decades, its dilapidated hospital buildings frozen in time, its imposing fort now abandoned and its rumoured mass graves still hidden.
Its grisly past covers both the countless unknown plague victims thought to have died on the island and the lobotomies reputed to have occurred there when the hospital served as a mental asylum in the 1920s.
In 2014 the Italian government sold the island for £400,000 as part of an Italian government strategy to sell off unused property to address its budget crisis.
But a group of Venetians launched a campaign to protect the island from commercial development, calling themselves 'Poveglia For Everyone' (PFE).
Following a protracted battle, PFE won control over the island. The activist group won a six-year lease, beginning next month, beating competitors including Venice's mayor Luigi Brugnaro.
The grassroots group asked Venetians to donate money to help preserve the island from development and turn it into an oasis for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist-laden city.
Patrizia Veclani, one of the founders of Poveglia for Everyone, told the Times: 'We woke up with a nest egg of €460,000 (£400,887) and a community full of high-level professional skills.'
Her group will pay little more than €1,000 (£871) a year for the renewable lease.
PFE says it is joining forces with the University of Verona to transform the northern part of the island 'into a lagoon urban park open to citizens and respectful of the ecosystem and the landscape elements that characterise the lagoon.'
The group faces an uphill battle to regenerate the island, however, as there is currently no water or electricity, nor is there a proper pier.
Earlier this year, furious Neapolitan locals attempted to crowdfund the purchasing 'back' of a tiny island in the shadows of Mount Vesuvius after it was listed for sale at over £8million.
The island of Punta Pennata, which spans an area of just 70x500 metres, lays a mere 100 metres offshore the town of Bacoli in the Gulf of Naples.
Despite being a favourite fishing retreat of locals for decades, the rocky peninsula was put up for sale by luxury auctioneers Sotheby's.
Residents and officials from neighbouring towns are not simply accepting the island's sale though, with Bacoli mayor Josi Della Rangione leading the campaign to place Punta Pennata under the stewardship of the local community.
Italy as a nation has already dealt with vast levels of overtourism and a plethora of foreign tycoons buying up similarly prime real estate from under local's noses.
In a bid to stop Punta Pennata from falling into the hands of another exorbitantly wealthy businessperson or celebrity, Mr Della Regione drumme up support from all over Italy in the hopes that the local community can raise enough funds to 'buy back' the island.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
The everyday hairstyle making Brits go bald & the easy trick to solve it, according to a hairdresser
A HAIR expert has revealed that brushing wet hair may cause more permanent damage to hair follicles than many people realise - and can lead to you going bald. Dr Roshan Vara, from Treatment Rooms London, said this common post-shower habit weakens hair structure at a molecular level, potentially leading to increased breakage and thinning over time. 3 They shared: "Wet hair has a lot of physical differences to hair when it's dry and that can affect its ability to handle stress from brushing. 'Water affects the hair shaft, and as a result, it experiences stretches in the cuticle because of swelling and that leads to breakage due to the strain.' Hair researchers have found that wet hair can stretch more than dry hair before breaking, but this apparent elasticity is misleading. Dr Roshan explained: "Wet hair causes stretching which damages the protein structure, leading to weaker hair over time.' So how do you combat this? SAFE SOLUTION Wide-tooth combs should be used instead of brushes, for wet hair, according to the hair transplant expert. Dr Roshan continued: "If you haven't brushed your hair before you wet it, don't use a standard brush, use a wide-tooth comb and start from the ends and work your way up. 'Never start brushing from the roots when hair is wet - you must avoid doing this to prevent damage.' According to Dr Roshan, styling techniques that combine wetness and heat exacerbate the damage. They added: "Using a hairdryer on soaking wet hair is particularly damaging, even if many may do that without even thinking. My hair's so thin you can see my scalp but miracle £8 buy fixes it in seconds 'The speed of which water is removed from the hair shaft can cause essentially a rupturing effect which pushes out the cuticle and leads to hair falling out as it isn't as strong as it needs to be." The protection of the hair cuticle continues its decline as a result of aggressive brushing on wet hair. Fine hair and chemically treated hair – whether coloured, permed or relaxed – are especially susceptible to wet brushing damage because their protein structure is already altered. TINA Farey, Editorial director at Rush Hair, shares her advice… HOW TO RESTORE DAMAGED HAIR Whilst you can't fully reserve the effects of damaged hair, you can stop the problem from growing. Depending on the condition of your hair, I'd recommend getting a trim every six to eight weeks - this will prevent any split ends from travelling further up the hair shaft, which weakens the hair's overall structure and leads to more breakage. Even just an inch of the ends will completely transform the appearance of your hair – trust me. When it comes to products to help restore damaged hair, Goldwell's Rich Repair Treatment Mask is a firm favourite – strengthening damaged locks to be healthy and shiny once again. HOW TO PREVENT DAMAGE My number one tip is to always use a heat protectant – even if you're only blow-drying your hair. Consistent heat styling without one will leave your hair open to heat damage. I'd also recommend refraining from over-washing your hair as this can strip the hair of its natural oils – nobody wants a dry and irritated scalp! And finally, swap your sleek, slick back for a hair down day! They may be in fashion at the moment, but over time all that tension on your strands from being pulled will wreak havoc on your hair follicles – this could lead to thinning and bald spots in areas where the hair is constantly pulled.
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
The everyday summer hazards that could harm your health (and how to avoid them)
Summertime is often the silly season. Shirts come off and shoulders turn cochineal, bodies shrivel into husks after hiking ten miles on a scorching day, an overstuffed suitcase results in a trip to the osteopath to rectify your Gollum-shaped back… The Office of National Statistics (ONS) reveals a net increase in hospital admissions linked to warmer weather, while in 2018 the Royal College of Surgeons reported 8,500 hospital admissions a year for DIY or gardening -related accidents, with 56 per cent occurring between April to September. Also, personal injury claims peak throughout June to August, mainly due to burns from fires and barbecues. And the EU's Earth observation service, Copernicus, recently found a large increase in dangerous 'tropical nights', where night-time temperatures do not drop below 20C and people struggle to rest. Consequently, accidents are more likely to increase when folks are shattered. So don't fall into the trap of heated misfortune. Here are some of the most common summertime everyday calamities to avoid… Breaking a toe in open sandals Not only are there wonky pavements to contend with, our balance and ability to navigate going forward safely becomes increasingly harder to maintain as we age because our muscles naturally weaken, the inner ear is less effective and our cognitive processing reduces. Open sandals, such as flip flops, offer little support. Dr Helen Branthwaite, chief clinical advisor of the Royal College of Podiatry, says: ' Choosing the right footwear for your summer activities is key. When going on a bike ride, hike or long walk on rocky ground, aim for shoes or well-fitting sandals with covered toes. For gentler leisure activities, make sure your sandal has a way of staying on your foot to reduce the chance of it slipping off and you falling. A strap that goes around the back of the heel or ankle is ideal.' If you do fracture or break a bone in a toe, it's likely you won't need surgery, or even a hospital visit, especially if it is a small toe. You can apply ice and elevate the foot, take ibuprofen and then tape the damaged toe to the next one for stability. You may need an orthopaedic shoe. If the break is more severe, or is in the big toe, surgery could be required, after which the foot will be put in plaster, or you may wear an 'air boot'. Healing takes between 4-6 weeks, depending on the injury. Overheating on the bus With the hottest June ever on record, we can all agree that travelling on public transport is not for the faint-hearted. NHS figures reveal that 30 people in the UK died from excessive natural heat between 2013 and 2022, with 2022 marking a record year for heat-related deaths (8). The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Safer Lives, Stronger Nation report also highlights increased risk – hospital admissions due to over-exposure to natural heat have more than tripled in the past two decades, rising from an average of 72 per year in the early 2000s to 232 annually in recent years. Ronan Briody, lead physiotherapist at KYN, recognises the dangers of overheating. 'High temperatures can make us fatigue faster and, in combination with dehydrated muscles from the lost fluids through sweat, increases the risk of injury and falls,' he says. 'So staying hydrated is crucial, especially for the elderly. Drink plenty of fluids and carry out any physical activity in the cooler parts of the day. Wear light clothing, take regular breaks and listen to your body – if you start to feel fatigued, thirsty, dizzy or unwell, stop what you're doing, move to a cooler place and have a drink of water. A damp cloth on the back of the neck helps. Overheating symptoms should subside with rest, but if you don't improve in 30 minutes, call 111 for advice.' Injury from garden tools Whether you're teetering on a ladder trimming a bush, mowing the lawn in bare feet (yikes!) or cutting back your thorn-ridden roses, the garden can be a major health hazard. When pruning, always wear protective gloves, shoes, a long-sleeved top and even wraparound safety glasses. Scott Evans, product manager of Spear & Jackson garden tools, says: 'If using secateurs, it is always advisable to ensure they are well maintained – check if the blades are clean and free from any sticky residue, the cutting mechanism operates smoothly, it is well lubricated, any springs are safely attached, and the blade tension is accurate. If not there is a chance the secateurs might unexpectedly stick when you try to use them and cause an accident.' The Spear & Jackson Pro range of bypass secateurs has added safety features that make them a great choice for reliable pruning. And if you're aiming to reach those higher branches, opt for an extendable pole pruner, and always have someone on stand-by when you clamber up a ladder to hold it steady. Shock from cold water swimming When the mercury skyrockets and temperatures hit 30 degrees-plus, there's nothing more inviting than dive-bombing into cold water. But it can be extremely dangerous. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) says the busiest day of the year in 2024 for lifeboat crew in terms of people aided (300) was on July 27th. Following that, August was the busiest month for lives saved by lifeguards. Every year, paralysis or death occurs from jumping from a great height, and hitting cold water can cause some people to panic, which can result in drowning. The Outdoor Swimming Society talks about the 'gasp reflex' when a person inhales water as they gasp with the cold. The OSS recommends 'entering the water slowly to become used to the temperature and get breathing under control. Don't stay in too long and remain close to shore unless you are experienced at outdoor swimming. Use the Float to Live principle: if you get into distress or trouble, float on your back, regain control of your breathing, and relax. When people panic, they often go from being horizontal to vertical in the water, which makes them sink and panic further.' Back damage from heavy luggage No one wants to start their holiday bent double in excruciating pain from lugging a cumbersome suitcase. With over twenty years' experience, osteopath Matthew Rogers knows that carrying unfamiliar loads is a common culprit for strains and injuries, especially to the lower back, shoulders and wrists. 'Sudden twisting, lifting with poor posture or trying to navigate stairs and kerbs with uneven baggage can place significant stress on the body, particularly if someone isn't used to handling weight this way,' he says, 'From an osteopathic perspective, we encourage people to think about prevention rather than cure. The key is in preparation and technique: Use luggage with wheels and telescopic handles where possible and push rather than pull to reduce strain. Pack smart: distribute weight evenly and avoid overloading. Lift with your legs, not your back, and keep the suitcase close to your body. Take breaks if you're walking long distances and switch hands regularly to avoid one-sided loading. Ultimately, good habits and body awareness can go a long way in making sure your holiday starts with excitement, not an ache.' Sunburn from an open car window Dermatologist Natalia Spierings explains: 'Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can damage skin cells and hence impact the skin. It's the longer wavelength UVA which penetrates deeply into the dermis (UVB is almost completely absorbed by the epidermis), generating molecules that alter DNA in the skin cells. 'When this happens, it is almost like an alarm system – the body creates an inflammatory response, causing red, painful and sometimes swollen skin to occur. Too much sun exposure can cause skin cancer, and other UVA damage (pigmentation, dilated capillaries, rough texture, wrinkles, enlarged pores) as we get older. 'Avoid sunburn by staying inside, or cover up with long sleeves, hats and big sunglasses. Always use sunscreen with a SPF 50 applied every two hours during the day. If you do get sunburn, there is not much you can do. You can relieve the hot feeing by using cooling products like aloe vera, and avoid further sun exposure. There is no way to 'speed up' the 'healing' from a sunburn; you just need to wait it out and learn from the experience so you don't do it again.' Burns from a barbecue When merriment, booze and smouldering charcoal are in the mix, the possibility of something disastrous happening surges. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) reported 332 call outs where a BBQ was recorded as a cause or contributing to a fire between 2022 and May 2025. As a result of these incidents, 17 casualties or injuries occurred. The LFB have guidelines for safety, including to avoid using a barbie on a balcony or in an enclosed space, never place it on wooden decking or near trees and fencing, steer clear of accelerants to boost the flame, have a bucket of water nearby for emergencies, always stay close and keep a watchful eye on it, and once you've finished cooking allow your barbie to cool down, making sure it is fully out, because 'smouldering ashes can give off dangerous carbon monoxide fumes which can be fatal.' Deep cuts while chopping salad All those delicious summer salads require regular interactions with very sharp knives, so beware the blade, especially if you're prepping for a dinner party or a barbie in the garden, because mishaps occur more when people indulge in recreational pleasures. A 2012 survey by research company Opinium found that 27 per cent of Brits drink more alcohol when temperatures rise, and the London Ambulance Service say May and June have seen the most drink and drug-related callouts than the previous two years. Adam Perkins, managing director of Sabatier Knives UK, explains: 'Our carbon steel knives are so sharp they can slice a tomato with no discernible depression of the skin, but used correctly, a sharp knife is far safer than a dull one. Inappropriate use, such as using the knife as a lever or to cut frozen food, is inherently dangerous.' Jack Deane, manager of the Jamie Oliver Cookery School, has some tips for a safe approach to chopping. 'Be sure to clear space before you start, and use a chopping board that's secured and steady,' he says. 'This mindset of being organised as you cook makes the world of difference to your chopping. There are a few techniques that will transform how you use your knife. For example, a 'chefs grip' – holding a knife with your thumb and index finger on either side of the end of the blade, where it starts to join the handle, and then wrapping your remaining fingers around the top of the handle. This provides better control and precision. 'Then there's the 'rock-chop', where you keep the tip of the knife in contact with the chopping board and then rock the blade back and forth over your ingredients. The good news is that these techniques are very easy to learn. We teach them in our Knife Skill classes which can be booked online at Jamie Oliver Cookery School.' Being yanked by a dog lead The parks are filled with walkers keen to get out with their canine companions during the longer summer days, often going further afield into unfamiliar territory – and increasing their chances of a trip to A&E. Recent research published in BMJ Injury Prevention shows that walking your dog is potentially a hazardous business. Between 2012-2024, various studies surveyed nearly 500,000 patients suffering dog walking-related injuries, with over 20 per cent experiencing injury to the hand and wrist, with finger fractures the most common (31 per cent), while tripping up and falling over the lead also affected 20 per cent. The annual cost to the NHS could be more than £23 million a year, with women and over 65s most at risk. One training hack from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home suggests that when your dog pulls, you stop walking. Then wait until they look back at you and return to your side. Reward their good behaviour with a small treat. Resist the temptation to pull them back – the dog should release the lead tension for themselves. Walk forward again and, if they pull, stop and repeat. This process may take time and patience, but your dog will soon twig that staying close to you means getting a treat. Eventually it will become learned behaviour.
BBC News
2 hours ago
- BBC News
Bristol chef hoping for Parkinson's 'cure' on unicycle world trip
A chef whose brother was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD) aged 45 is preparing to unicycle around the world to raise funds for research. Luke Evison, 42, from Bristol, plans to travel through more than 40 countries, covering more than 25,000 miles (40,000 km), while unicycling solo during the three-and-a -half year trip. Mr Evison said he is raising money for Parkinsons UK to help fund research in the hope it gets us "closer to a cure".He will set off from Bristol to begin his World on One Wheel challenge on Sunday. Mr Evison is travelling solo and unsupported, so will be carrying his tent and supplies with route takes him through Europe, Japan, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and southern Europe, before returning to the is only the second person to travel the world by unicycle after Ed Pratt, from Somerset, completed the challenge in 2018. Following the death of Mr Evison's father from pancreatic cancer last year, he will be splitting proceeds from his challenge between Parkinsons UK and Cancer Research UK."Turning 40 made me stop and think about what I really wanted," he said."The answer was to see the world and what better way to do that than to combine it with a challenge that raises money for two causes that mean the world to me."He said his brother Neil, who moved to Australia, has undergone deep brain stimulation surgery to manage the condition, but still faces daily struggles with reduced mobility and have been some positive steps with Parkinson's research lately, but "more still needs to be done", Mr Evison Safe, community fundraiser at Parkinson's UK, said the charity was "grateful to Luke" for supporting his brother with the challenge."Parkinson's is a complex brain condition that gets worse over time. Affecting 166,000 people in the UK, it has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure," she said. Mr Evison will be documenting his journey online under the name Trip The Balance.
