Capraia Isola
Exploring Gorgona Island
Gorgona Island is a hidden gem in the Ligurian Sea, facing Livorno. It is the smallest of the Tuscan Archipelago, but no less interesting for it. The island is mostly mountainous and rich in typical vegetation of the Mediterranean scrub. It is home to the Gorgona Prison, hosting about seventy prisoners with definitive sentences to serve; the Ministry of Justice manages the penal colony, while maritime transport has been discontinued.
Geography
Gorgona Island is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, which protects its natural environment of great cultural and scientific value. Along the coastline, you can find suggestive coves and bays, such as Cala Scirocco, where the Grotta del Bove marino, once a refuge for Monachus monachus, opens up. Towards the west, the coast drops sharply into the sea, while towards the east, it slopes down forming three valleys ending in small coves (Cala Maestra, Cala Marcona, Cala Scirocco).
Climate
The island has a Mediterranean climate with mild daily and seasonal temperature variations. The climate is characterized by a low percentage of rainfall in summer, mostly concentrated in autumn, with a secondary maximum at the beginning of spring. The average temperatures of the official meteorological station are influenced by the altitude, given the location near the highest peak of the island.
Flora and Fauna
The island is very interesting from a botanical point of view and hosts many endemic species. Among the plant species present on the island, we can find the Gorgona Limonium and the Savianum Limonium. As for the fauna, the island hosts many species of lizards, including the Podarcis muralis ssp. vinciguerrai and the Gorgona Snail, the Oxychilus gorgonianus.
Toponymy of the Island
Gorgona Island is a still unexplored island. Its toponymy is rich in evocative names, such as Cala dell'Acqua, Cala Maestra, Cala Marcona, Cala Martina, Cala di Pancia, Cala dello Scalo, and Cala Scirocco. Moreover, the island is characterized by promontories such as Punta dei Giunchi, Punta di Cala Maestra or Punta della Paratella, Punta di Cala Scirocco, and Capo Zirri. The island also has some peaks, such as Punta Gorgona, Punta Maestra, Punta Tacca, Punta Zirri, Belvedere, Guardia de' Frati, Pian delle Felci, and Pian dei Morti.
History
The island has a very interesting history. It was known in classical Antiquity as Urgo, Gorgon, and Orgòn. The toponym retains an archaic org- root of pre-Roman origin. The name has nothing to do with Greek mythology, contrary to popular belief. It was called the Island of Chestnuts (Kestaneli Ada) by Islamic sailors in the 16th century.
Conclusion
Gorgona Island is a beautiful island, full of charm and mystery. It is definitely an interesting place to visit, especially if you love nature and history. Its toponymy is rich in evocative names, making it another reason to visit this pearl of the Ligurian Sea. Discovering all its coves, promontories, and peaks, where nature is still uncontaminated and protects the endemic species that inhabit it, is a unique experience not to be missed.
