In 1377, Venice established the first known systematic maritime quarantine station on the island of Santa Maria di Nazareth, later known as Lazaretto Vecchio. This initiative aimed to isolate ships, crews, and goods suspected of carrying plague, reflecting early public health measures in response to epidemics. The establishment of quarantine practices in Venice set a precedent for future public health policies and responses to infectious diseases.

The establishment of the Venice Quarantine Station in 1377 influenced literary themes of isolation and societal breakdown. Authors like Giovanni Boccaccio reflected on the human condition during plague times, shaping narratives that resonate with later Romantic poets.