
A view of Alicudi and Filicudi.
'Alicudi' is the westernmost of the seven islands that make up the
Aeolian archipelago. The island is about 40 kn west of
Lipari, has a total area of 5.2 km², and is roughly circular-shaped. It is located at
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.
References
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Alicudi, , Ezio, Giunta, Estateolie 2005 - The Essential Guide, 2005
External links
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About Alicudi
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Aeolian Island tourism website
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Topographic Map of the Island