Cavallo (island)

Cavallo is a small island in the Mediterranean Sea located between Corsica and Sardinia.

Geography

Cavallo is located in, and is the only inhabited island of, the Lavezzi Archipelago. Close to the Strait of Bonifacio, Cavallo is eight miles away from Sardinia and two miles away from Sperone, a town on the southern side of Corsica. The island is currently French territory, although it has belonged to Italy in the past. [http://www.unitn.it/events/borderscapes/download/abstract/picouet_paper.pdf] The Island is about a half-mile long, and features a small port.

History

Cavallo has a long history, beginning when Ancient Rome sent prisoners there to cut granite for monuments. The island was abandoned during Augustus’ empire, and remained uninhabited until a sheep and goat-herder located there in 1800. The deep sea surrounding the island hid dangerous obstacles for navigators, earning the island the nickname “The Cursed Siren.” In 1855, the French frigate "Semillante", which was transporting soldiers to Crimea, sank nearby, killing all 693 on board. In 1978, Cavallo made international news when it was the scene of a shooting committed by Vittorio Emanuele, the exiled king of Italy.

Tourism

Cavallo is privately owned, but does allow limited access to outsiders. Known for golfing and sailing, there is also a commercial area with restaurants and shops, along with the luxury "Hotel & Spa des Pêcheursand". Only bicycles and electric cars are allowed on the island.

References

External links

* [http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Europe/France/photo404961.htm Photo of island]
* [http://directory.premierhotels.com/client/Premier2/bg1/listingmain.asp?l=%7BE7B10BFC-E2AC-4612-A67A-35860ACABE1C%7D Hotel Web Site]