Lampedusa history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the island and the city of Lampedusa is rooted in deep antiquity. Thanks to its location in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, it served for millennia as a refuge and temporary stopover for seafarers: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. The ancient Greeks called this place "Lopadusa," which is linked to the shape of the coastline.

For a long time, the territory remained practically uninhabited due to the constant threat of pirate raids. The official beginning of the modern settlement's history is considered to be September 22, 1843. It was then that Captain Bernardo Maria Sanvisente, by order of King Ferdinand II of Bourbon, landed on the island with the first colonists, marking the start of a permanent city.

Key Factors of Development

The formation of the settlement was determined by a unique combination of natural and political conditions:

• Geographical Location: Being closer to Africa than to Sicily, the island has always been a strategically important point on maritime routes. This made it a desirable object for controlling trade routes.
• Change of Ownership: For a long time, the island was owned by the aristocratic Tomasi family. The sale of ownership rights to the Neapolitan Bourbons became a decisive moment, allowing the state of Italy (which subsequently united these lands) to integrate the remote territory into its infrastructure.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The lives of the first settlers were closely tied to the sea and the peculiarities of the local climate:

• Marine Trades: The basis of the economy was fishing and the harvesting of sea sponges. The abundance of marine fauna allowed residents to provide themselves with food and goods for trade.
• Agriculture: Despite the arid climate and shortage of fresh water, the colonists successfully cultivated grapes, figs, and carob trees, adapting farming methods to the stony soil.
• Architecture: The first structures, including the famous "dammusi" (traditional stone houses), were built taking into account the need to collect rainwater and provide protection from the summer heat.

Major Historical Milestones

• Ancient World and Middle Ages: The island serves as a temporary stopover and navigational landmark for Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and Arab navigators.
• 1630: The Spanish Crown grants the noble title of Prince of Lampedusa to a representative of the Sicilian Tomasi family.
• September 22, 1843: Captain Bernardo Maria Sanvisente lands on the island with the first colonists, founding a permanent settlement.
• 1861: After the unification of lands, the island officially becomes part of the Kingdom of Italy.
• 1872: The Italian government establishes an agricultural colony on the island, which promotes the development of farming.
• 1911: Installation of the first telegraph, connecting the inhabitants of the archipelago with the outside world.
• 1951: Construction of the first power plant, significantly improving the quality of life for islanders.
• 1963: Laying of a telephone cable, ensuring reliable voice communication with Sicily and the mainland.
• 1968: Opening of the civil airport, which became the starting point for the development of the tourism industry.
• 1995: "Rabbit Beach" (Spiaggia dei Conigli) receives the status of a nature reserve for the protection of sea turtles.
• October 21, 2002: Establishment of the Pelagie Islands Marine Protected Area to preserve the region's unique biodiversity.
• July 8, 2013: Pope Francis makes his first official visit to the island, highlighting its significance in the modern world.

Key Stages of Transformation

The development of the island of Lampedusa proceeded unevenly, moving from complete isolation to active integration into the modern world. Several turning points can be highlighted that radically changed the appearance of the city, its economy, and the lifestyle of its inhabitants.

• Urban Planning Beginnings (1843): The landing of the first colonists was accompanied by the implementation of a clear architectural plan. The famous "Seven Palaces" (Sette Palazzi), a church, and administrative buildings were erected. This event laid the foundation for the regular layout of the historical centre, which can still be read in the structure of the streets today.
• Agricultural Expansion (Late 19th Century): Joining the state of Italy stimulated the agrarian development of the lands. Large-scale clearing of territories for vineyards and arable land changed the natural landscape of the island, and farming became an important addition to fishing for a long time.
• Technological Revolution (Mid-20th Century): The construction of the first power plant and the introduction of water desalination systems became a critical frontier for urban infrastructure. The appearance of a stable power supply allowed for the development of small businesses, the preservation of catches, and significantly improved the living conditions of the islanders.
• Transport Breakthrough (1968): The opening of the civil airport became the main economic driver of recent history. The air harbour turned a remote fishing village into an accessible Mediterranean resort, completely reorienting the local economy towards the hospitality and tourism sector.
• Ecological Reorientation (1990–2000s): The creation of nature reserves, particularly the protection of Spiaggia dei Conigli, marked a shift in priorities. The city moved from a consumerist attitude towards resources to a strategy of sustainable development and eco-tourism, which attracted travellers from all over the world.

Features of Urban Planning and First Buildings

Unlike many historical centres in Europe, the urban development of the island of Lampedusa was not formed spontaneously over centuries. Its architectural appearance is the result of a planned project from the mid-19th century. Before 1843, there were practically no permanent structures here, so the island lacks medieval quarters, Gothic cathedrals, or lavish Baroque palaces.

The basis of the urban plan was a regular grid of streets, laid out during the Bourbon colonization. The main architectural landmark of that period was the complex known as the "Seven Palaces" (I Sette Palazzi). These buildings, erected to house the administration and the first settlers, are executed in a restrained, utilitarian style that can be described as simplified neoclassicism. They are built from local limestone, which gives them a characteristic warm hue.

Traditional Architecture and Climate Influence

The appearance of residential quarters was strongly influenced by natural conditions and Mediterranean traditions. Local architecture is functional and concise:

• Dammusi: Although this type of structure is more associated with neighbouring Pantelleria, elements of this ancient style are also found on Lampedusa. These are squat stone houses with thick walls that keep the interior cool in summer and warm in winter.
• Colour Palette: Building facades are traditionally painted in light pastel tones—from white and sand to ochre and soft pink, which is typical for the south of the state of Italy. Bright accents are often created by blue shutters and doors, symbolizing the connection with the sea.
• Flat Roofs: The design of the roofs was historically intended for collecting rainwater, which was then diverted into underground cisterns—a vital solution in conditions of fresh water scarcity.

Modern Look and Centre of Life

In the second half of the 20th century, with the development of tourism, the city began to expand, yet it retained its low-rise structure. There are no high-rise buildings here, which allows the settlement to blend harmoniously into the harsh but picturesque landscape.

The heart of city life and the main promenade is Via Roma. This street crosses the centre and concentrates the main social activity. The architecture here represents a mix of restored historical buildings from the 19th century and more modern buildings occupied by cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. A special place in the cityscape is occupied by the Church of San Gerlando, which, despite repeated reconstructions, remains a spiritual centre and an important landmark for residents and guests of the island.

Historical and Cultural Figures

The fate of the island of Lampedusa is intertwined with the names of monarchs, explorers, and people of the arts who contributed to its development and fame. Below are key figures who left a mark on the history of this corner of the country of Italy.

• Ludovico Ariosto (1474–1533)
  Renaissance Poet
  Although Ariosto lived long before the founding of the modern city, he immortalized the island in literature. In his famous poem "Orlando Furioso," he chose these shores as the site of the legendary duel between three Christian and three Saracen knights, creating the island's first heroic myth.
• Ferdinand II of Bourbon (1810–1859)
  King of the Two Sicilies
  The de facto "father" of the modern settlement. In the 1840s, he purchased the archipelago from the Tomasi family and issued a decree on colonization, allocating funds for the construction of infrastructure and the resettlement of the first inhabitants.
• Bernardo Maria Sanvisente (1780–1860)
  Frigate Captain, First Governor
  He commanded the 1843 expedition that brought the first colonists to the island. Under his leadership, the iconic "Seven Palaces" were built and the city streets were planned, which defined its current architectural appearance.
• Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (1896–1957)
  Writer, Aristocrat
  Author of the masterpiece of world literature—the novel "The Leopard." Being the last holder of the title of Prince of Lampedusa, he made the family name and the name of the island famous throughout the world, although he visited here extremely rarely.
• Domenico Modugno (1928–1994)
  Singer, Actor, Public Figure
  The legendary performer of the hit "Volare" was passionately in love with the local landscapes. He purchased a house in Cala Pulcino bay, actively fought for nature conservation (including the protection of sea turtles), and spent his final years on the island.
• Claudio Baglioni (born 1951)
  Musician and Composer
  Initiator and organizer of the "O'Scià" music festival, which gathered world stars on the local stage for over 10 years. His activities played a huge role in popularizing the island as a centre of cultural tourism.