Discover Striking Volcanic Island Near Naples, Boasting Scenic Beauty and Classical Charm, Famed for Serving as Exile for fallen Roman royalty

Nestled between Rome and Naples in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea lies the small, volcanic island of Ventotene. With approximately 700 residents, this peaceful haven offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Ventotene, once known as Pandataria in ancient Greek, boasts an intriguing past that dates back centuries. In its early days, it served as a refuge for five beasts, a name that hints at the island's rich and varied wildlife. Today, its marine area, protected since 1997, continues to attract diving enthusiasts with its exceptional fauna and ancient shipwrecks.

The island's historical significance is evident in its archaeological remains, which include an ancient port carved into volcanic rock, cisterns, and aqueducts. Ventotene was also a place of exile for members of the Roman imperial family who had fallen from grace. Julia, the daughter of Emperor Augustus, was exiled to Ventotene in 2 BC and lived in a luxurious villa whose ruins are still visible.

In more recent history, the island gained prominence as a site of political significance. During World War II, two significant persons, Altiero Spinelli and Ernesto Rossi, were held under house arrest on Ventotene. It was here, secretly drafted while imprisoned in 1941, that they wrote the Ventotene Manifesto, the founding text of European federalism. This document, written on cigarette paper and distributed through resistance networks, is now considered one of the foundations of the European Union.

Under the fascist regime, Ventotene served as a prison for Mussolini to imprison his opponents from 1932 onwards. Notable prisoners included Agrippina the Elder, Octavia - wife of Nero -, and Flavius Domitilla, granddaughter of Vespasian. The Santo Stefano prison, located on a neighboring islet, housed up to 800 prisoners in a circular arrangement around a central courtyard in 1797.

Today, the castle, built in 1768, serves as the town hall and an archaeological museum. Ventotene is less commercialized than its famous neighbour, Capri, offering a wilder, more authentic travel experience. The island's peaceful coves, exceptional underwater world, and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and a taste of history.

In 2022, Ventotene received the European Heritage Label in tribute to its intellectual heritage. This small island, with its rich history and peaceful atmosphere, continues to captivate visitors and remind us of the powerful ideas that were born in its midst.

Discover Striking Volcanic Island Near Naples, Boasting Scenic Beauty and Classical Charm, Famed for Serving as Exile for fallen Roman royalty