2008

Ustica

Il piccolo centro abitato si stende ad anfiteatro intorno ad una baia che ospita il porto. Una strada e delle scalinate bordate di bellissimi ibiscus conducono al centro del paese, in alto. Una delle caratteristiche peculiari delle abitazioni è che da alcuni anni, i muri delle case sono stati "trasformati" in tele e gli artisti vi hanno dipinto paesaggi, trompe-l'oeil, ritratti, nature morte, soggetti fantastici. Il paese è dominato dalla Torre di S. Maria, sede del Museo Archeologico che ospita i reperti rinvenuti al villaggio preistorico presso i Faraglioni e nelle tombe di età ellenistico-romana di Capo Falconiera. In particolare you notice a unique circular fireplace divided into four parts (and transport) and the beautiful two-handled cups foot high.

This tiny volcanic island (8.6 square km), emerged part of a large submarine volcano, is also the oldest, emerged long before the islands. Its origin and black lava when choosing a name, Latin Ustum, burned. The rugged coastline hides its beautiful caves, inlets and coves. The inhabitants live mainly by fishing and tourism, although agriculture is specialized on the rise (vines, vegetables, cereals, especially lentils). Having been inhabited until the Eneolithic end of the ancient period, Ustica is open only to pirate attacks up to the Bourbon period, when there are established some residents from Lipari. Penal colony in effect until the '50s, Ustica has become, thanks to its clear waters and rocky coastline, a paradise for divers. In 1987 he became a marine reserve.

Falconiera Head - In the bottom of the central square, enclosed by the Mother Church, turn right toward Calvary. From here a path with steps on the left leads to the head, and at the top are the remains of a Bourbon fortress and a rock settlement of the third century. BC la cui posizione venne sicuramente scelta perchè ben difesa e dominante sull'unico approdo dell'isola. Cala di S. Maria (attuale porto). L'esiguità dello spazio, così impervio, ha reso necessario un terrazzamento della roccia e ha dato vita ad uno sviluppo su tre piani sovrapposti. Sono visibili moltissime cisterne per la raccolta dell'acqua piovana ed una scala tagliata nella roccia (proprio sulla punta). Ai piedi della rocca è stata scoperta una necropoli ad ipogei dello stesso periodo ed una a fosse (ed ipogei) di epoca paleocristiana (V-VI sec. d.C.). Da qui la vista si estende al porto ed al centro dell'isola, caratterizzato dai profili dei monti Costa del Fallo e Monte Guardia dei Turchi.

Villaggio preistorico - Nei pressi dei Faraglioni (località Colombaia), è stato scoperto un esteso insediamento risalente al periodo del bronzo che presenta analogie abitative con il villaggio preistorico di Panarea, con capanne circolari cui si sono sovrapposte capanne a pianta quadrata. L'abitato è percorso da una "strada principale" che denota l'esistenza di un piano urbanistico (anche se essenziale) e quindi il riconoscimento di luoghi pubblici, caratteristica singolare per l'epoca (in genere le capanne sono in ordine sparso), il villaggio era difeso da una possente cinta muraria (il tratto preservato ne fa indovinare la forma ellittica) formata da due cortine, larga 6 m alla base e rafforzata da torri semicircular. The missing section of the curtain and the presence of huts on the reef also seems to indicate that it was originally connected to the mainland and the collapse (probably due to an earthquake) is perhaps the cause of the sudden abandonment of the village.

Coast - jagged, full of caves that can be discovered by boat (the fishermen at the port offer to take tourists to the small boats, suitable to enter the caves), but also floor, offers small beaches (Cala Sidoti, Punta Spalmatore, the Lighthouse) and magnificent rocky bays, such as natural swimming pool, concentrated along the western slope. The slope Eastern provides beautiful caves such as the Grotta Azzurra, the Green Grotto Cave and the boat, to explore equipped with mask and snorkel. In particular it is reached along a beautiful trail in the midst of pines and prickly pears which branches off from the Tower of St. Mary and continues along the hillside offering wonderful views of the sea and the coast.

Marine Reserve was established in 1987, this reserve, to preserve and protect the vast wildlife and environmental that is hidden in the underwater world around Ustica. There are three areas where it is divided: In the area of \u200b\u200bnature reserve, where bathing is permitted, but it is forbidden to approach the boats and fishing, extends west of the island, Cala Sidoti in Cove and up to 350 m from the coast (yellow buoys will indicate the appropriate location): Zone B of the general reserve surrounding area A and extends from Punta Cavazzi Punta Omo Morto (in fact the whole coast from the south-west to north-east for 3 miles). Here is permitted bathing, underwater photography (but not fishing) and fishing line and pulling or training (but in this case the consent of the municipality), the remaining stretch of sea is the area of \u200b\u200bpartial reserve where C apply national rules and can also spearfishing.

Un mondo sommerso - Il mare particolarmente pulito da ogni tipo di inquinamento (Ustica si trova proprio in mezzo alla corrente proveniente dall' Altantico) permette la vita ed il proliferare di numerosissime forme di vita sia animali che vegetali. Un esempio eclatante sono le vaste praterie di posidonia oceanica, vera e propria pianta acquatica, anche chiamata il "polmone del Mediterraneo" (perchè scambia ossigeno con l'acqua) che qui si trova perfino a 40 m di profondità. Già in superficie si incontrano folti branchi di saraghi, saraghi fasciati, le scure castagnole che quando nascono sono invece di un incredibile blu elettrico, cefali voracissimi (ma al massimo provocano solletico), occhiate, salpe, coloratissime donzelle pavonina. In shadows you can see the King of red mullet and along the cliffs the beautiful "flowers" of orange coral, which in some cases covering large areas, colorful sponges (and who does not know, there are black, white , yellow, orange, compact, elongated, threadlike) cerniotta who hide in the shade of the rocks, but out of curiosity when approaching. At greater depths the fish "get bigger, especially groupers, and the landscape is enriched with moray eels, lobsters, slipper lobster and shrimp (in caves), amberjack, snapper, huge bream, and red and beautiful sea fans, including peeps sometimes black coral (yellow on the surface, but dark inside). Who's luck may also encounter tuna, sunfish, turtles and barracuda.

What's on - There are different possibilities for both divers and for those who want to have fun with snorkeling. For those who just will not go into the water, it can still be a part of the show submarine, taking a tour (day or night) on the motorboat Aquarius, glass bottom, which accommodates up to 20 people. Two other reserve centers are located at the Tower of the spreader (the twin tower of St. Mary), used as a center for conferences and special initiatives and Cove, which is the starting point for guided tours of the surface to the secret cave) and che ospita un Acquario in cui sono stati ricreati 13 ambienti corrispondenti a diverse batimetrie.

Visite guidate - Lungo il versante occidentale, proprio nella zona di riserva integrale, si trova la Grotta Segreta, o Grotta Rosata, il cui accesso è celato da rocce sia via mare che via terra. Qui le incrostazioni di bellissime alghe calcaree dal rosa chiaro al rosa antico intenso le conferiscono il colore che le vale il nome. Per chi ama esplorare il mare, ma solo in superficie o in apnea, la riserva organizza itinerari guidati di sea-watching nella zona di riserva integrale, segnalando e mostrando i vari organismi ed i pesci che in questa zona (proprio per la familiarità con le frequentivisite dell'uomo) sono particularly numerous and confident.

Dedicated to the sub - Among the many wonderful opportunities and we can highlight the Cave Shrimp whose visit also allows you to discover incredible red sea fans near Punta Gavazzi (to 42 m depth ca) and 'widen the underwater archaeological itinerary of the lighthouse at Punta Gavazzi (between 9 and 17 m depth, marked by an orange buoy) on the spot where you can admire numerous exhibits, including amphorae and anchors mainly from Roman times. One of the most popular destinations for divers is the Scoglio del Medico, basalt, and for its shape, full of caves and deep ravines too high, offers a spectacular panorama diver. Another beautiful hike is that the Shoal of Colombara (40 m deep) with sponges and sea fans with amazing and vibrant colors.

SOME INFORMATION

Directions - There are direct connections to Palermo, boat (2 h about 30 minutes) and hydrofoil (70 min approx) insured by Siremar tel. 091/582403. During the summer, Ustica Lines (tel. 081/7612 515) performs path-Favignana-Trapani Ustica and Naples (and back) by hydrofoil. The trip to Naples to Ustica about 4 h.

around the island - E 'can either rent a scooter or use the bus that makes frequent trips around the island and turns in both directions. Your council, there is a weekly, fortnightly or monthly, very convenient.

Tourist Information - The center of the Marine Nature Reserve, in the main square of the village, provides comprehensive information on all that the island offers. Tel.091/8449456.

A special initiative - Every year, it organized a specialized course for divers for a period of a week that includes both lecture themes (archeology, marine biology, techniques for the recovery of findings) that diving and guided tours. For information contact the Marine Reserve or Archeologia Viva tel. 055/6679303.

International Review of underwater activities - is organized in the summer (usually May, June or September) and includes a series of events (exhibitions, activities) every other year. For information contact the Tourist al'Azienda Palermo tel. 091/6058413.

An essential equipment - who love the sea and has a little 'familiarity with the water, must not forget a mask, snorkel and fins, which will allow him to enjoy the other Ustica, the most natural and more spectacular.