Pianosa, Protected island in Tuscan Archipelago, Italy
Pianosa is a small, low-lying island in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Apulia. The island is crossed by numerous underground passages dating back to ancient times that lie beneath its surface.
The island served in ancient times as a place where members of the imperial family were exiled. Later it was used as a prison, which shaped its story across two millennia.
The underground burial chambers reflect early Christian practices and show how islanders used this place as a sacred cemetery. These spaces reveal the religious beliefs and funeral customs of that period.
Visitors can only reach the island with prior permission and in the company of authorized guides. Tours depart from designated ports and require planning ahead.
Until 2011, the island was a maximum-security prison that isolated people from the outside world. This long period of isolation allowed the surrounding waters to develop extraordinary marine life.
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