Palmaria island, Protected island in Gulf of La Spezia, Italy
Palmaria Island is a small island in the Gulf of La Spezia with a triangular shape covering around 1.6 square kilometers. The eastern side features Mediterranean plant growth, while the western coast drops away with steep rocky cliffs.
The island has been inhabited since ancient times and was later shaped by military fortifications, including Fort Count of Cavour. Structures from different periods, including World War II bunkers, continue to mark the landscape today.
The island has been inhabited since ancient times, with traces of human settlement visible through burial sites and artifacts now displayed in nearby museums. These discoveries show how people adapted to island life across different periods.
The island is accessible by regular ferry services from Porto Venere, La Spezia, and Lerici. The best visiting conditions occur during warmer months when more connections are typically available.
In the southern part of the island sits an abandoned quarry where black marble called portoro was extracted, distinctive for its golden veins running through it. This special stone was used in fine construction projects and now stands as a reminder of its industrial past.
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