Difference between revisions of "Asinara"
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[[Image:Asinara map.png|thumb|right|250px|A map showing the location of Asinara island.]] | [[Image:Asinara map.png|thumb|right|250px|A map showing the location of Asinara island.]] | ||
[[Image:Stintino_Beach.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The wonderful sea near Torre Pelosa.]] | [[Image:Stintino_Beach.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The wonderful sea near Torre Pelosa.]] | ||
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'''Asinara''' (Italian for "Donkey-inhabited") is an [[Italy|Italian]] island of 51 km² in area, with approximately 700 inhabitants. The island is located just off the northwestern tip of [[Sardinia]], and is mountainous in geography with steep, rocky coasts. Due to a lack of much fresh water, trees are sparse, and a low scrub vegetation predominates. The island has recently been converted to a [[wildlife preserve|wildlife]] and [[marine preserve]], and is part of the [[national parks of Italy|national parks system of Italy]]. It is home to some unusual animals, including a population of wild [[albino]] [[donkey]]s from which the island takes its name. | '''Asinara''' (Italian for "Donkey-inhabited") is an [[Italy|Italian]] island of 51 km² in area, with approximately 700 inhabitants. The island is located just off the northwestern tip of [[Sardinia]], and is mountainous in geography with steep, rocky coasts. Due to a lack of much fresh water, trees are sparse, and a low scrub vegetation predominates. The island has recently been converted to a [[wildlife preserve|wildlife]] and [[marine preserve]], and is part of the [[national parks of Italy|national parks system of Italy]]. It is home to some unusual animals, including a population of wild [[albino]] [[donkey]]s from which the island takes its name. | ||
Latest revision as of 21:55, 17 August 2009
Asinara (Italian for "Donkey-inhabited") is an Italian island of 51 km² in area, with approximately 700 inhabitants. The island is located just off the northwestern tip of Sardinia, and is mountainous in geography with steep, rocky coasts. Due to a lack of much fresh water, trees are sparse, and a low scrub vegetation predominates. The island has recently been converted to a wildlife and marine preserve, and is part of the national parks system of Italy. It is home to some unusual animals, including a population of wild albino donkeys from which the island takes its name.
Ownership of Asinara was historically contested between Pisa, the Republic of Genoa, and the kingdom of Aragon. In 1721, it became property of the Savoy Kingdom of Sardinia. In more recent times, the island has been used as a quarantine and prison location; it was used as a prisoner of war camp during World War I, and a place of detention for members of Ethiopia's Imperial family and nobility during the Italian occupation of that country between 1936 and 1941. A high security prison housing mafia members and terrorists operated there until 1997.
References
- "Isola di Asinara". Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Retrieved July 8, 2005.
- "Stintino: Asinara Island". Retrieved July 8, 2005.