Alicudi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Alicudi is the westernmost of the seven islands that make up the Aeolian archipelago. The island is about 26 miles west of Lipari, has a total area of 5.2 km², and is roughly circular-shaped. It is located at 38°32′45″N, 14°21′00″E

[edit] History

The island was formed by the long-extinct Montagnola volcano, roughly 150,000 years ago. It has been suggested that the last evolutive act of the island took place only 28,000 years ago.

The island was first populated as long ago as 17th century BC, as some archaeological evidence from this period has been found. Roman ceramic fragments, dating from many centuries later, can be found on the eastern coast of the island.

The modern name of "Alicudi" is a corruption of the island's ancient name of Ericusa, derived from the plant known as the Erica, more commonly known as heather, which still grows on the island’s slopes. For many centuries, Alicudi was the target of frequent incursions by pirates. Consequently, the island’s population was forced to find shelter in small houses constructed on high terraces, and also meant that simple agriculture and cultivation of the peach were the foundations of the modest island economy.

Today there are around 120 inhabitants, who mostly live off fishing or the small agriculture of the island. There is only one restaurant on the island, and the menu depends greatly on what fish the local fishermen have caught, or what food supplies the hydrofoil brings.

[edit] References

• Ezio Giunta, dir. (2005). "Alicudi". Estateolie 2005*The Essential Guide (English version of Tourist Guidebook): 98–99. 

[edit] External links

• About Alicudi (in Italian).
• Aeolian Island tourism website (in Italian).
• Topographic Map of the Island