Pantelleria : Italy
Pantelleria, or Pantalaria, ancient Cossyra, is an island in the Strait of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea, 100 km (62 mi) southwest of the south-western extremity of Sicily, and 70 km (43 mi) E. of the African coast, belonging to the Sicilian province of Trapani. Pop. (2001), 6,044.
It is entirely of volcanic origin, and about 117 km (45 mi) in area; the highest point, an extinct crater, is 836 m (2743 ft) above sea-level. Hot mineral springs and ebullitions of steam still testify to the presence of volcanic activity. The island is fertile, but lacks fresh water. The principal town (pop. about 3000) is on the north-west, upon the only harbour (only fit for small steamers), which is fortified. There is also a penal colony here. The island can be reached by steamer from Trapani, and lies close to the main route from east to west through the Mediterranean. In 1905 about 300,000 imperial gallons (1,360,000 L) of wine (mostly sweet wine), and 1900 long tons (1930 t) of dried raisins, to the value of 34,720, were exported.
On the west coast, 3 km (2 mi) south-east of the harbour, a neolithic village was situated, with a rampart of small blocks of obsidian, about 25 ft (7.5 m) high, 33 ft (10 m) wide at the base, and 16 ft (5 m) at the top, upon the undefended eastern side: within it remains of huts were found, with pottery, tools of obsidian, etc. The objects discovered are in the museum at Syracuse.
