Lampedusa e Linosa
Lampedusa and Linosa: a small treasure in the middle of the sea
Lampedusa and Linosa are two enchanting islands in the Mediterranean Sea, belonging to the Municipality of Lampedusa and Linosa, located in the province of Agrigento, in Sicily. The municipality has a population of about 6,399 and is a scattered municipality, whose administrative headquarters are located on the island of Lampedusa.
Physical Geography
The territory of the municipality includes the islands of Lampedusa and Linosa, as well as the uninhabited islet of Isola Lampione. Lampedusa and Lampione are part of the African Plate and were uplifted two million years ago, while Linosa is of volcanic origin.
The island of Lampedusa offers a very varied landscape, including three main environments: the steppe, which covers all the flat part of the island; the Mediterranean prairie, present in the more distant valleys from the inhabited area; and the garigue, in some valleys and coves on the north side. Linosa, on the other hand, is characterized by scasciati, rocky areas covered with Mediterranean scrub.
The municipality is located 113 km from Africa and 205 km from Sicily.
Climate
Lampedusa and Linosa boast the record of being the municipality with the lowest value of degree days in Italy. The municipality's meteorological station is located on the island of Linosa.
History
The islands of Lampedusa and Linosa were first colonized by the Spanish in 1639. However, real colonization began in 1843 by the Bourbons, who built a military base on the islands. The municipality of Lampedusa and Linosa was created on August 31, 1875, with the abolition of the Administration of the islands of Lampedusa and Linosa.
In recent years, the municipality has been at the center of national news due to the strong migratory flows arriving from the Tunisian and Libyan coasts.
Symbols and Honors
The coat of arms and the flag of Lampedusa and Linosa were granted by decree of the President of the Republic on September 2, 1988. The flag is a split drapery of yellow and blue. The municipality has been awarded the decoration of the City decorated for Civil Merit.
Society
The municipality has seen a significant increase in foreign residents in recent years, but the foreign population residing in the municipality as of January 1, 2014 was only 4% of the total population, equal to 247 people, most of whom are Romanian.
Culture
Several films have been shot on the island in recent years, including "Respiro" and "Terraferma" by Emanuele Crialese, "Quo vado?" by Gennaro Nunziante, and "Fire at Sea" by Gianfranco Rosi.
Anthropological Geography
The main district of the city of Lampedusa is Spiaggia dei Conigli, one of the most famous beaches in Italy for its natural beauty and for the marine turtles that can be admired there. Other important districts are Capo Ponente, Punta Parise, Sanguedolce, Albero Sole, Belvedere, Aria Rossa, Cimitero Vecchio, and S. Calogero.
Lampedusa and Linosa are fascinating places, where nature reigns supreme and the air is imbued with a peace and serenity difficult to find elsewhere. Anyone who decides to visit this municipality will undoubtedly be struck by the beauty of these jewels of the Mediterranean.
