The Island of Pianosa, Isola di Pianosa, used to have a special status among other islands of the Tuscan archipelago for a long time. Even in the Roman times persons non-grata and prisoners were exiled there. Afterwards, a prison was established on the island. It existed until the year of 1998. Nowadays there are about twenty prisoners on the island who take care of trees and shrubs.
Today there are regular ferries to the island of Pianosa. They depart from the Elba, from havens of Porto Azzurro, Rio Marina, and Marina del Campo.
The island of Pianosa is open for sightseeing, though you can’t stay overnight there. However, there are lots of offers for accommodation on the neighboring Elba.
There are many attractions as well as purely clean nature on Pianosa.
The Fort of Napoleon is located right in the haven of the island. It protected the small village where employees of the prison lived.
Travelers will discover the Ancient Roman remains of the Agrippa Palace in the picturesque haven of Cala Giovanna. The bathing huts of the palace are being prepared for restoration.
It’s worth mentioning that the haven of Cala Giovanna is the only place on the island where bathing is allowed. Those who are interested will find various fossils and relicts in the caves of the haven.
There are remains of Ancient Roman constructions on the North Cape of the island, Punta del Marchese. The cape has an unusual, sophisticated shape of rock origin.
Catacombs where in the III-IV centuries B.C. slaves were buried are worth examining as well. Rare mosaic has been found there.
Nature of the island of Pianosa charms you with a variety of flora and fauna. Pianosa is a nature reserve, so it is not crowded with tourists. Besides, fishing, diving, and anchoring are prohibited farther than 1nautical mile from the coastline.
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