The Generalato of the Lazzaretto Vecchio in Venice: Methodologies of Historic Research and Damage Assessment in Built Heritage

The Lazzaretto Vecchio of Venice is recognised as the world’s first institutionalised centre for managing plague outbreaks. Established in 1423 by decree of the Venetian Republic on the island of Santa Maria di Nazareth, the site repurposed the existing structures of an Augustinian monastic complex, transforming them into a permanent facility dedicated to the treatment and prevention of plague contagion. This role continued until the French and later Austrian occupations, during which the island was converted into a military outpost. Civil use of the site resumed only in 1979, and in 1998 it was designated as the future location of the National Archaeological Museum of the Venice Lagoon. Following the decommissioning of the public lazaretto, several buildings within the historic complex were either partially or entirely demolished, and the remaining structures experienced significant deterioration as a result of the island’s prolonged abandonment. Despite plans for cultural redevelopment, restoration efforts have been continuously hindered by a persistent lack of funding. This thesis explores the spatial organisation and architectural transformation of the Lazzaretto Vecchio across the centuries. Drawing upon a diverse array of historical, archival, and iconographic sources, it aims to establish a detailed chronology of the site’s change. Special focus is given to the building known as the Generalato, originally the convent of the Augustinian friars and later adapted to accommodate and treat distinguished officers and diplomats of the Venetian Republic. This building has been studied also through a series of various digital tools for understanding its structural analysis and reconstruction. This work investigates the architectural, formal, and constructional features of the Generalato prior to its partial demolition in the mid-19th century, integrating findings from on-site surveys with historiographical research. It also examines the structural degradation mechanisms affecting the surviving structures of the building, offering proposals for future investigations that should precede any restoration work. These contributions are intended as valuable insights to the broader process of recovery and conservation of the structure. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, this thesis integrates Historical Geographic Information Systems (HGIS), Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and 3D modelling softwares to process, digitise, interpret, and visualise a historically significant—yet heavily altered—structure. This integrated methodology not only documents the current condition of the building, but also facilitates a critical reconstruction of its historical phases and architectural transformations. The resulting virtual reconstruction serves as a valuable and innovative tool for the preservation, valorisation, and dissemination of built heritage. By offering a comprehensive understanding of both the material and immaterial aspects of the site, this research contributes to the broader discourse on Venetian architectural history and provides new insights into the cultural and historical landscape of the Venetian Lagoon.