PALMARIA ISLAND

The  pretty island of Palmaria is chiefly famous for its black, gold-veined marble and for its Prehistoric cave, 30 metres up sheer cliffs on the western side. In 1869, evidence of Stone Ages settlements was found here, along with biets and pieces- flints, human and animal remains, etc. - from the last Ice Age, now on display in the museum at La Spezia.

In the 4-5C AD both the island Palmaria and that of the Tino were occupied by thriving monasteries, of which few signs now remain. The Island today bears the ruins of various second World War fortifications, increasingly overrun by its tangled, fragrant maquis.