Isola di Molara, Granite island in Mediterranean Sea, Olbia, Italy
Molara is a granite island in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Olbia, featuring multiple sandy coves and Mediterranean vegetation covering its slopes. The granite formations rise approximately 155 meters above the water and create a distinctive profile.
During the third century, the island served as a refuge for Pope Pontian and priest Hippolytus during their exile from the Roman Empire. Their presence left a lasting religious and cultural mark on the island.
The ruins of a Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Pontian and the remains of the medieval village of Gurguray show how people lived on the island across centuries. Visitors can explore the foundations of these settlements and see how meaningful this place was for early communities.
Access requires prior authorization from the Molara Cultural Association, as the island remains under environmental protection and private ownership. Visitors should contact the organization in advance to arrange permission.
The natural pools of the island display white sand seabeds and waters that shift from deep blue to bright turquoise. This color transformation happens because of varying water depths and the sandy bottom composition.
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