Ventotene Island Italy First Exile, Then Tourist Paradise

Explore the history and beauty of Ventotene Island in Italy, from its first exile to becoming a tourist paradise. Learn about this hidden gem in the Mediterranean!
Ventotene Island Italy First Exile, Then Tourist Paradise
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Between Ischia and Ponza off the coast of Lazio lies the small island of Ventotene. The island is about 3 km long and 800 meters wide and looks a bit like a raft in the middle of the sea. It is of volcanic origin and about 700 people live there. Ventotene is part of the Pontine Islands, as is the more famous Ponza, which is popular with the Roman jet set.

Emperor Augustus had a large summer palace built on the north side of the island, which later served as a place of exile. For example, he sent his daughter Giulia here after she was found guilty of adultery. Her daughter Vipsania Agrippina also lived here in exile. Only a few ruins remain of this palace.

After Roman times, the island remained largely uninhabited until it became the property of the Bourbon kingdom in the 18th century. Farmers from Campania tried to grow grain here, which was difficult because of the strong wind. In the Bourbon period, a panopticon prison was built on the island next to Ventotene, Santo Stefano. A sort of Alcatraz; escape was practically impossible.

Today the island is a paradisiacal tourist attraction for anyone looking for peace, good food, walking and enjoying the sea.

During the period of fascism political opponents were exiled to Santo Stefano. Sandro Pertini, President of Italy from 1978 to 1985, was imprisoned here.

The panopticon prison was expanded to include a barracks, an infirmary and a separate women's quarters. At its peak there were up to 350 policemen and carabinieri keeping an eye on the prisoners and the island.
Ventotene Island Italy First Exile, Then Tourist Paradise