Gaiola Island
Gaiola Island sits off the coast of Naples, Italy, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, part of a volcanic archipelago. It is actually two rocky islets, connected by a stone bridge. Once occupied, it now sits abandoned as a result of its checkered history of drownings, murders, disappearances, even suicides. Locals won’t go near it. Ask any one of them and they will tell you, “This island is cursed!”
THE GAIOLA MALEDICTION
The history of the island and its nearby coastline dates back to the 17th century, when prominent Romans built factories and opulent homes there. Two centuries later the island boasted one resident, a hermit called Il Mago (The Wizard), who survived thanks to the kindness of local fishermen. One day, Il Mago disappeared without a trace. No explanation was forthcoming.
Shortly after, a wealthy businessman built the sole villa on the island, which still stands to this day. His once successful fishery business soon went belly up.
Locals most likely came up with the term, the Gaiola Malediction, early in the 20th century, when most of the troubles began. Ownership of the island had already passed through a few different hands, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s brother-in-law, when in 1911 a ship’s captain showed interest in purchasing Gaiola. As he sailed around the island he ran aground on some rocks and drowned. Neither he nor his vessel ever turned up.
A Swiss businessman bought the island in the 1920s. He was found murdered, his body wrapped in a rug. His grieving wife soon drowned at sea.
Next came a German perfume dealer. While enjoying the luxuries of the villa on Gaiola he suffered a heart attack and died.
MORE OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS
Despite the growing legend of the Gaiola Malediction, the rich and famous continued to show interest in the island. A Swiss industrialist, shortly after purchasing Gaiola, went mad. He wound up in an asylum back in his native country, where he committed suicide.
The next owner was a successful German industrialist. He also suffered financial ruin.
Gianni Agnelli, the owner of Fiat and Italy’s richest man, bought the island next. But fame and fortune meant nothing when a curse was involved. The body of Agnelli’s son was discovered under the stone bridge, an apparent suicide. Then, his nephew, whom he had been training to take over his empire, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and soon died.
You want more fame and fortune? How about American billionaire J. Paul Getty? He purchased Gaiola from afar (I can’t imagine why). Soon after, his oldest son committed suicide, and his youngest son suffered a mysterious death. Finally, in 1973, his grandson was kidnapped by the local mafia, who sent Getty the boy’s severed ear. He paid a ransom of $3 million for his grandson’s release.
J. Paul Getty, c. 1944
The final owner of Gaiola Island was the head of a successful insurance company. He wound up in prison due to unpaid debts, while his wife died in a car crash.
Gaiola Island became the property of the local government in 1978 and is now part of a protected marine area, as well as a tourist attraction. Does that mean the curse has been lifted? In 2009 a couple was murdered in a villa directly across from the island. The Gaiola Malediction wound up back on everyone’s lips.