Capraia Isola | ||
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Comune | ||
Comune di Capraia Isola | ||
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Location of Capraia Isola in Italy | ||
Coordinates: 43°3′N 9°51′E / 43.050°N 9.850°E | ||
Country | Italy | |
Region | Tuscany | |
Province / Metropolitan city | Livorno (LI) | |
Government | ||
• Mayor | Gaetano Guarente | |
Area | ||
• Total | 19.0 km2 (7.3 sq mi) | |
Elevation | 52 m (171 ft) | |
Population (February 2015) | ||
• Total | 406 | |
• Density | 21/km2 (55/sq mi) | |
Demonym(s) | Capraiesi | |
Time zone | CET (UTC+1) | |
• Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) | |
Postal code | 57032 | |
Dialing code | 0586 | |
Website | Official website |
Capraia is an Italian island, is the northwesternmost of the seven islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, and the third largest after Elba and Giglio; it is also a comune (municipality) belonging to the Province of Livorno. The island has a population of about 400.
Capraia is 62 kilometres (39 mi) from the city of Livorno by sea, and 32 kilometres (20 mi) northwest of the island of Elba; it is slightly closer, at 30 kilometres (19 mi), to the island of Corsica. The island is accessible by ferries that depart from the port of Livorno.
Capraia is of volcanic origin, has an area of 19 square kilometres (7.3 sq mi) and its highest point is 466 metres (1,529 ft) above sea level. It is about 8 kilometres (5 mi) long (from Punta della Teglia to Punta dello Zenobio) and about 4 kilometres (2 mi) wide. It has a coastline that is about 30 kilometres (19 mi) in circumference. The island is part of the Arcipelago Toscano National Park and marine sanctuary.
The island's small harbour, Porto di Capraia, is connected to the village by the one and only asphalted road on the island. The village, dominated by the Fortress of St George, preserves its original characteristics unaltered. Sites of tourist interest include the Church of the Assunta, the Church of St Nicola and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Church and Convent of St Antonio, and the Church of St Stefano alla Piana. The Fortress is not open to visitors.
The island produces wine, and is a centre of the anchovy fishery. About 40 kilometres (25 mi) to the north is the island of Gorgona, which is also famous for its anchovies. In the summer the island is also a popular stopping point for yachts sailing between Livorno, Elba, and Corsica.
The Greeks called the island Aegyllon or Aegyllion (Αίγυλλον Greek for Goat Place, see also Giglio). Its current name may have originated in the Etruscan "carpa" - stone - a word that comes from the archaic Greek "Kalpe" - sepulchral stone. The Romans called the island Capraria, its name possibly then morphing to reflect the presence of wild goats (Greek: copros).