History of Ventotene

Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Campania in Italy, Ventotene and Santo Stefano are the most eastern islands of Pontine group. Famous as an a destination for exiles even during Roman times, the islands have seen smugglers, pirates, emperor’s daughters, revolutionary prisoners and even popular politicians during it’s rich and varied history. Less stressful now however, is an enjoyable sojourn at the Hotel Cacciatore Ventotene, from where you can enjoy the less daunting view of the abandoned prison of Santo Stefano from a distance.

Roman Past

The carved caves, old Roman fortification, ancient fish farms, Roman port and dipping pool carved into the soft volcanic rock all pay testament to Ventotene’s rich ancient heritage. Since the days when Augustus banished his adulterous daughter, Julia the Elder, to the island for the negative influence her sexual relations were having on the political scene, it has been used as a location to exile those causing problems or thought dangerous by those in power.

History of Santo Stefano

At the end of the 18th century a prison was constructed by the Bourbon Dynasty to form Italy’s own answer to Alcatraz, the inescapable island prison of Santo Stefano. Host to many unwanted criminals and political figures, the successful enterprise was reused later by the 20th century Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and housed dissidents, Communists and political visionaries of 20th century Italy.

Famous Guest and Occupants

Distinguished Roman ‘guests’, more commonly known as exiles, include Julia the Elder (daughter of Claudius), Agrippina the Elder, Julia Livilla, St. Flavia Domitilla and Nero’s first wife Claudia Octavia. Those who were sent there rarely returned as it proved an excellent place to quietly dispose of those no longer wanted - out of sight and out of mind. The most famous of the modern occupants was Altiero Spinelli, author of the famous Ventotene Manifesto, laying the groundwork for a post war move towards a more federal and cooperative Europe. The Prison Island of Santo Stefano and neighbouring Ventotene proved an excellent destination for regimes to send unwanted, threatening or undesirable characters for over 2000 years.