Ponza (Lazio)

Ponza is a commune of the Province of Latina, in the Italian region Lazio. It comprises the four islands of the western part of the Pontine archipelago in the Gulf of Gaeta (central Tyrrhenian Sea): Ponza itself, Palmarola, Zannone, and Gavi. The economy of Ponza is essentially based on fishing and summer tourism. The main centre of the island is the port of Ponza, which stands towards the southern end of the eastern coast and is the seat of the commune. Other settlements include Guarini, Giancos, I Conti and Santa Maria in the centre of the island and Campo Inglese and Le Forna in the north. The second largest of the islands is Palmarola, which is inhabited only in the summer months and is the site of a nature reserve. The church of San Silverio recalls Pope Silverius’ death while in exile on the island. The island of Zannone is some 10 kilometres (6 mi) to the north-west of Ponza and is completely uninhabited: even overnight stays are prohibited. This forms part of the Circeo National Park. The tiny island of Gavi lies only 120 metres (390 ft) off the northeastern tip of Ponza.