Ventotene

Ventotene is a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea that forms part of the Pontine archipelago off the west coast of Italy. It is notable both for its Roman-era history and for 20th-century political events.

The island has a small harbour and marina, pebble and sand coves used for swimming and snorkeling, and archaeological remains including Roman-era ports and fishponds. The compact main settlement contains visitor services, short coastal walks and viewpoints over the surrounding sea.

In Roman times the island-then called Pandateria-was used as a place of exile for political figures and members of the imperial family. During World War II Ventotene was again used to detain political prisoners; in 1941 Altiero Spinelli and others drafted the Ventotene Manifesto there, a foundational text for European federalist ideas.

Ventotene lies in the Pontine Islands group in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the coast of the Lazio region. It is accessed by ferry services from mainland ports and other islands in the archipelago.

• Historical manifesto: An important 20th-century political document, the Ventotene Manifesto, was drafted there in 1941 by imprisoned anti-fascists advocating European federalism.
• Roman exile island: The island was used in antiquity as the place of exile Pandateria during the Roman era, a function visible in archaeological remains.

What to See #

• Roman ruins: Remains of Roman fishponds and a harbour illustrate the island's use in antiquity and are visible near the main settlement and shoreline.
• Main town and marina: The small town cluster around the island's harbour contains the main marina, visitor services and access points for day trips and snorkeling.