Cargo quarantine warehouse on Lazzaretto Nuovo

Research Trip to Venice – Jessica Pavert (2023, MSc Archaeology).

In June 2024, I travelled to Venice, Italy, to conduct research in support of my thesis on the historical and archaeological impact of the Black Plague in Venice. This research trip was necessary to gain knowledge of the physical archaeological sites and artefacts related to the plague’s history in Venice.
My primary objective was to investigate the historical and archaeological evidence of the Black Plague in Venice through site visits, local history tours, and museum explorations. Upon arriving in Venice late in the evening, I checked into my hotel in Maghera and planned the subsequent days’ activities.

The first part of my research involved visiting Lazaretto Nuovo. This tour provided a comprehensive history of the island, including viewing graffiti by 15th-16th century Lombardi workers in the quarantine warehouses. My guide, Rene offered detailed and insightful information about the plague’s history in Venice. I then booked another tour with him to learn more about the plague and Venetian history.  Later, I visited the Church of Santa Maria Della Salute, notable for its plague columns.
The next segment of my trip involved a history tour led by Rene, focusing on the old hospital and the plague’s impact on Venice. I then visited Piazza San Marco, where many plague victims are buried, and explored the Museums Corror surrounding the piazza. This provided a deeper understanding of the city’s historical landscape during the plague era.

Graffiti of merchant seals in warehouse made by Lombardi workers

Subsequent days were spent exploring Venice’s historical sites and museums. At the Naval Museum, I learned about Venice’s maritime history, followed by visits to Campo San Polo and the Church of San Simeone, which was raised to accommodate plague burials. I also visited the Scuola Grade Di San Rocco, housing the Hospital Museum of Venice, and the Redentore Church, built as a prayer after a wave of the plague. My research then led me to the Campo San Anzolo, which was raised several feet to accommodate the burial of plague victims.

This research trip was highly successful, providing me with a wealth of data and information on the impact of the Black Plague on Venice. The archaeological evidence and historical knowledge I gained has significantly contributed to my thesis. I am grateful for the support of the Old Members’ Trust Graduate Conference and Academic Travel Fund that made this experience possible.

Find out more about the range of travel grants and scholarships available to assist Univ students on our Travel Grants page or read further travel reports.

Published: 26 July 2024

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