The former Bourbonic prison on the island of Santo Stefano, a very important site in the Italian political and civic history and a key part of Europe’s heritage, will reopen to visitors until September 30, 2026.
Visits are limited to a maximum of 24 people per day and can be booked at the Centro Visite della Riserva Naturale Statale e Area Marina Protetta delle Isole di Ventotene e Santo Stefano, located at the Roman Port.
The history of this horseshoe-shaped prison is inextricably linked to the one of modern Europe. In addition to the patriots of Risorgimento, it hosted many prominent opponents of the Fascist regime, such as the former Italian President Sandro Pertini. Furthermore, it was on the neighbouring island of Ventotene, that Altiero Spinelli and Ernesto Rossi, exiled here in 1941, drafted the Manifesto of Ventotene, a project for a free, united Europe. Therefore, a visit to this site not only represents a standard tourist excursion but also provides a deep insight into the origins of European culture and values.
Photo credit: Facebook page of the Commissioner for the Restoration of the Santo Stefano Island Prison – Ventotene