Gorgona, Italy

Gorgona

Native name: Isola di Gorgona
View to Gorgona from Livorno
Geography
Location	Ligurian Sea
Archipelago	Tuscan Archipelago
Area	2.23 km2 (0.86 sq mi)
Length	2.150 km (1.3359 mi)
Width	1.650 km (1.0253 mi)
Coastline	8 km (5 mi)
Highest elevation	254 m (833 ft)
Highest point	Punta Gorgona
Administration
Italy
Region	Tuscany
Province	Livorno
Comune	Livorno
Demographics
Population	79 prisoners, 47 policemen, a few Officials of the italian Ministry of Justice and some other residents heirs of the old settlers (2012)
Pop. density	135 /km2 (350 /sq mi)

Gorgona (Italian pronunciation: [ɡorˈɡoːna]) is the northernmost island in the Tuscan Archipelago, a group of islands off the west coast of Italy. Between Corsica and Livorno, this diminutive island has been valued most for its wildlife, especially marine birds, and its isolation. The latter quality resulted in the foundation of Gorgona Abbey in the Middle Ages. After its closure the monastery grounds and buildings were appropriated in 1869, at the foundation of an agricultural penal colony, which is currently in use.

Gorgona is located about 19 nautical miles (about 35 km (22 mi)) straight out from Livorno. It is a ferry ride of about 1.5 hours; however, access to the island is forbidden without permission from the Italian Ministry of Justice. It grants a standing concession exclusively to one group for supervised tours. Photographic equipment is not allowed. Private boats may approach the island no closer than 500 m (1,600 ft) except in emergencies. Capraia is 35 km (22 mi) away; Corsica, 60 km (37 mi).

The only landing place is "Cala dello Scalo", an inlet on the northeast side surrounded by cliffs, the site of the only beach. A fishing village over the beach is now inhabited by workers of the Penal Colony and, above all in the summer, by families of heirs of the old settlers.

On the cliff overlooking the bay is a historic site, the Torre Nuova, "new tower", built as a watchtower by the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in the 17th century.

From the beach an unpaved road leads up to the settlement at the head of a pass between the two prominent heights: Punta Gorgona at 254 metres (833 ft) to the south and Punta Zirri at 213 m (699 ft) to the north. On the cliffs at the west side of the island on the other side of the pass is the Torre Vecchia, "old tower", built as a watchtower by the Republic of Pisa in the 12th century.