The island's history goes back thousands of years and it is associated with gods and healing. It features an ancient temple dedicated to Aesculapius, the Greek god of medicine, as well as several shrines devoted to other deities, including Jupiter Jurarius and Tiberinus. In addition to its spiritual history, the island is also home to the Fatebenefratelli Hospital, which was founded in the 16th century, and the Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola, constructed in 998 AD. During warm summer months, it hosts the Isola del Cinema film festival for those eager to explore the culture of the island.