The Fascinating History of Capraia

Capraia Island has a deep and fascinating history. It was first inhabited at the end of 3000 B.C. The Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Etruscans and the Romans have all inhabited Capraia Island. When
Christianity developed in Rome a large religious community lived on the Island. A community of monks had to flee from the imperial repressions after Edith of Milan in 313 A.C. Because of many pirate incursions, it was fortified during the Roman Empire, first, by the Republic of Pisa and later by the Bonquo of Saint Giorgio’s whose works and fortifications are still present in the territory. (Example: Fort San Giorgio and the many towers around the island). This is the most fascinating part of the island. Saracen pirates, wars and territorial disputes have always marked Capraia Island because of her strategic position. In the seventh century she belonged to Corsica Island; then the Republic of Genova, the Republic of Pisa, France, and even England. This happened in an atmosphere of conquest and continuous wars. After the fall of Napoleon, the Congress of Wien assigned it to the region of Sardinia. During this time tobacco manufacturing had its start. Seventy years later Italy established it as a “penal colony.” During fascism, Capraia was used as a place of “internment.” Capraia’s adventurous role during the two World Wars is full of stories and anecdotes, people who died for their country and patriots.The penal colony was abolished by a department order back in 1986. In 1989 it became a part of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago.