The Unexpected Popularity of Plague Tourism

A Macabre Fascination with History’s Darkest Hours

In recent years, an unusual trend has emerged in the travel industry: plague tourism. Visitors are flocking to sites associated with some of history’s most devastating pandemics, from the Black Death in Europe to the 1918 influenza outbreak. What drives this morbid curiosity? For many, it’s a way to connect with the past on a visceral level, to stand where countless lives were lost and reflect on humanity’s resilience. Cities like Venice, with its plague-era quarantine islands, and London, home to the infamous “plague pits,” have seen a surge in guided tours exploring these grim chapters.

The Allure of Tragedy and Survival

Plague tourism taps into a deep psychological fascination with catastrophe and survival. Walking through the ruins of an abandoned lazaretto or visiting a mass grave evokes a powerful emotional response—one that history books alone cannot replicate. Tourists often describe these experiences as humbling, a stark reminder of how fragile human life can be. Some sites, like Eyam in England—the “plague village” that voluntarily quarantined itself in 1665—have even turned their tragic past into a narrative of communal heroism, attracting visitors eager to learn about sacrifice and solidarity in the face of disaster.

A Post-Pandemic World: Why Now?

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly fueled interest in plague tourism. After living through a modern-day global health crisis, many people feel a newfound connection to historical pandemics. There’s a sense of shared experience, a desire to understand how societies before us coped with similar challenges. Museums and heritage sites have adapted by offering virtual tours and exhibitions, making these stories accessible to an even wider audience. The trend also raises ethical questions: How do we memorialize tragedy without exploiting it? Most operators strive for a respectful approach, emphasizing education and remembrance over sensationalism.

From Darkness to Light

While plague tourism may seem macabre at first glance, it serves an important purpose. These sites are not just about death—they’re about the enduring human spirit. They remind us of our capacity to endure, adapt, and rebuild. As long as people seek meaning in history’s darkest moments, plague tourism will continue to thrive, offering lessons from the past that resonate deeply in the present.

Would you visit a plague tourism site? For many, the answer is a surprising—and thought-provoking—yes.