Ospedale al Mare (Hospital of the Sea) was built in 1933 on the Venetian island of Lido. Mussolini took part in the opening of this hospital. Over the years the capacity expanded to 1500 patients and staff. During the 1970s the condition of the hospital deteriorated and ward closures began.

I came across Ospedale al Mare by pure chance while out for a walk by the sea. I was pulled into it's confines by a magnetic attraction that these types of places exert over me. I find them deeply moving..the strange mélange of the sea, crumbling brickwork and interiors that one can almost feel half-alive.

I was stunned by how extensive this hospital was and the huge amount of care that must have been administered in this institution.

As I walked around and through the various buildings I was saddened by the wanton vandalism and decay of these structures. Not only are the buildings decaying but there has been a massive dereliction of duty to the past occupants. Patient records can still be found throughout the various wards which is shameful.

One can feel the haunted ghosts; the traces and remains of a full live world albeit a morbid one still resides here.