Amendolara CS

The municipality of Amendolara, located in the Upper Ionian Sea with 2,700 inhabitants, boasts a rich historical heritage ranging from Greek colonization to medieval times. The territory stretches from the hillside, at an altitude of 400 meters, to the 8 km of coastline. The municipal administration, together with the association “Mediterraneo Interiore,“ is committed to the historical, cultural and environmental enhancement of the town. Of particular note is the Secca di Amendolara, a marine area of protected biodiversity, located about 12 miles from the coast. A detachment of the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station operates here, studying the marine ecosystem. The shoal is characterized by seabed depths between 19 and 40 meters, with rocky and coralligenous outcrops, formed by the erosion of an ancient submerged island, perhaps identifiable with the mythical Monte Sardo, mentioned in 17th-18th century nautical charts. According to legend, it may be the island of Ogigia, where the nymph Calypso detained Ulysses in the Odyssey. The municipal administration, in collaboration with the Assoc. “Mediterraneo Interiore,“ promotes activities for environmental protection and historical-landscape recovery, focusing on the enhancement of the territory and its cultural identity.