Lampedusa

The island of Lampedusa, part of the archipelago of the Pelagie Islands of Sicily, is the largest of the group. The island surprises for its spectacular natural environment, which is abundant with rare plant species, but also for its ancient history and archaeology. 

 

 

The history of Lampedusa has roots reaching deep into prehistory. Archaeological studies and excavations have brought to light ancient structures from eras ranging from Neolithic to Roman and Byzantine. Of particular interest are the ancient “timpuna”, defined by archaeologists as “circles of stone”, constructions only a few dozen centimetres high. The island has over two hundred of these “timpuna”, which are grouped together like small settlements. They are found mainly in Capo Grecale, between Punta Parrino and Punta Alaimo, in the areas of Imbriacole and Poggio Monaco and towards Capo Ponente.

 

 

These numerous circles of stone were later used as threshing floors for wheat, but their original functions and chronology are still a mystery. Researchers have various theories: they were either homes or burial areas, buildings connected to farming or the harvest or for channelling rainwater, or garden enclosures. An interesting theory claims that groups of circles were arranged in the shape of certain constellations.  

 

The Vallone di Cala Madonna is an ancient area of the island, a sacred place, which was a meeting place for men of different cultures and religions. The presence of man in the caves in the valley dates back to the Neolithic period, between 5,500 and 2,500 BC, when a colony of Sicilians settled in the area.

 

 

It is thought that a rainwater cistern, found here and still used today, was built in the Roman era. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the old caves were inhabited by Maltese people, who enlarged them and built mills and even an oven. With the colonisation of Ferdinand II of Bourbon, in 1843, the small local church was restored and, following bombing during the Second World War, it was rebuilt and embellished with a lush garden that still today evokes the history of Lampedusa.

 

In addition to history, the island also captivates with its valuable natural resources. The Riserva Naturale Orientata Isola di Lampedusa (Lampedusa Island Special Nature Reserve) extends for about 350 hectares along the southern coast of the island and since 1996 has been managed by Legambiente Sicilia, which takes care of the animal and plant species and rare habitats threatened with extinction.

 

 

The protected areas include a series of deep valleys that show evidence of ancient river networks that flow into the sea, generating small sandy inlets. Among these, and of considerable wildlife importance, is the Spiaggia dei Conigli (Beach of Rabbits), where each year loggerhead sea turtles Caretta Caretta lay their eggs. The beach is enchanting, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters that are inhabited by an incredible variety of fish. Opposite the bay sits the Isolotto dei Conigli (Islet of Rabbits), the realm of yellow-legged gulls and a unique species of lizard.

 

 

There are several paths inside the nature reserve, such as the path that leads to the beautiful Cala Pulcino beach through Vallone della Forbice. This route, which is approximately 1.5 kilometres long, follows sections that have been dug out and eroded by water until it reaches the beautiful turquoise-blue sea. The first section is characterised by areas of reforestation of Aleppo Pine. Venturing further, instead, the habitat features typical examples of maquis shrubland, while nearer the sea, the main vegetation type is garigue-steppe. On reaching the beach, which is surrounded with the blue crystal-clear waters of Cala Pulcino, you can observe the blooms of Limonium Lopadusanus, a plant endemic to Lampedusa. 

 

Video: www.visitsicily.info

 

www.visitsicily.info

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