That of San Nicola is the island of the Tremiti archipelago with the greatest importance from a historical point of view, starting from the time of the Greek-Roman necropolis.
This aspect is also reflected from the point of view of the artistic relevance of the attractions that populate its narrow territory: just 450 meters wide with 1 600 meters long.
Pliny named it with the name of Teutria, while the current name comes from a chapel that was built by a hermit named, precisely, Nicola.
Two cave tombs have been found on its surface, the origin of which dates back to the classical age: one of these is known as "Diomede's tomb".
A cistern dug into the living rock and covered in “opus incertum” can also be traced back to the Hellenistic age.
The fortified abbey complex of Santa Maria a Mare, which surrounds the port, can be traced back to the 11th century.
The medieval environment gives its best when you enter the city walls from the port, crossing a mighty portal.
It is here that it is possible to admire, in all its beauty, the castle-convent fortified at the behest of Charles of Anjou, with its circular Angevin Tower that flanks the main entrance of the Badiali Castle.
Also part of this complex is the church of Santa Maria a Mare, built by the Benedictines of Montecassino in 1045. For this reason, the island of San Nicola is also called the "Montecassino" of the sea.
If you want more information on the island of San Nicola, you can find it here.