The isle of Santo Stefano

The isle of Santo Stefano lies less than a mile east from the island of Ventotene. Its 0.11 sq. miles surface makes it the smallest of the Pontine islands. This uninhabited island can be reached from Ventotene by boat. It is fairly easy to arrange a boat from Ventotene to cross the 1½ miles over to Stefano Island. The boat tour around the island is quite brief and offers fascinating views enhanced by the intensely blue-colored sea and by the dark and ragged basaltic rocks. The sea-beds around the island are full of different species of fish. The tiny island has 4 small landing spots that can be used according to the winds.

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The origin of this island is volcanic and has probably been inhabited since before the Roman age as the few oxidant remains found there seem to prove. During the centuries the island was given several names such as Partenope, Palmosa, Dommo, Stephane and Borca. The sea between and around St Stefano and all the other Pontine Island is very important for the presence of important includes vital cetaceans habitats and this area is well known for its high pelagic biodiversity.

Sailing in these waters means that it is not uncommon to admire large cetaceans such as fin whales, striped dolphins, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Risso's dolphins, and the large sperm whales. The land is sunny and fertile with elegant tall grasses, some fruit and olive trees, prickly pear cacti, and few overgrown garden plots. St.Stefano was a penal colony, completely abandoned since the 1950's. Going through the prison abandoned buildings has its own charming feel of the passing time gone by transmitted through the grime and corrosion on the walls. Some locals from Ventotene described it as a "Devil's Island", but is attractive to wander around with great views over the deep blue sea and lush green vegetation from the old buildings.

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There are only a few construction workers around using concrete and plaster to modernize or strengthen the entrance rooms of the prison. There is also a small cemetery, several outbuildings for power, water and sanitation, as well as accommodations and recreation halls for the prison staff. It is interesting to wander through the open abandoned buildings, trying to figure out what the various rooms were used for.

There are some large dormitory type rooms, some with the steel frames of beds rusting away, others with water connections for washrooms or kitchens; some for recreation with the remains of a stand up bar; also a barren chapel, an etched cross barely visible through the dust and erosion on the walls.