Holiday apartment in Lipari: volcanic landscape and archaeology

Lipari is one of seven islands belonging to the Aeolian Archipelago. The archipelago has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000; the decisive factors were the formation and destruction of volcanic islands as well as ongoing volcanic phenomena. On Lipari, these geological traces are combined with evidence from many eras, from prehistory to modern times.

Nature

At the northeastern end of Lipari lies Monte Pelato, a volcano that erupted obsidian, black volcanic glass. Its intense volcanic activity led to the formation of pumice deposits, which are now used industrially. The volcanic character is also evident on the walls of the Cave di Caolino: the path there passes a still-active fumarole field. Earlier fumaroles produced striking color patterns through changes in the rock.

At Canneto Beach, blue sea, a mix of sand and gravel, and seabeds inviting exploration come together. Papesca, also known as Spiaggia Bianca, is characterized by the presence of pumice.

Archaeology

The Parco Archeologico della Contrada Diana extends across a broad plain that borders Lipari’s present-day historic center to the east. Roman living quarters are visible within the fortifications. They were built in the 2nd century AD on the remains of older houses. The park also contains a roughly 50-meter-long section of the Greek city wall.

The necropolis of Lipari was used from the end of the 6th century BC to the 2nd century BC. Excavations carried out since 1948 have so far uncovered more than 2,500 graves. Grave goods from the necropolis of Lipari are displayed in the Museo Archeologico Regionale Luigi Bernabò Brea.

History and collections

The Castello di Lipari is located in a broad bay on the island’s east coast. It was inhabited from the Neolithic period, approximately 6,000 years ago, through to modern times. Its present appearance is due to substantial Spanish fortifications that Charles V had built around the rock around 1560.

The historic cultural landscape also includes the abbey church dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, with its adjoining monastery. It became a cathedral in 1131. At the Museo Diocesano di Lipari, six rooms are each dedicated to commemorating a bishop. The museum also displays works and collections from the churches of the Aeolian Islands dating from 1500 onward.

The Terme di San Calogero thermal complex comprises a 19th-century building next to a small tholos, considered one of the oldest known thermal complexes.

The Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano Bernabò Brea has six pavilions. Its departments are devoted to prehistory, epigraphy, the smaller islands, classical antiquity, volcanology and Quaternary paleontology. Through its displayed assemblages of finds, the museum documents human settlements and the development of successive cultures in the Aeolian Archipelago from prehistory to the threshold of modern times.

Getting around

The center of Lipari is largely pedestrianized. Restaurants, the main street, the Castello and the landing stages are all easily accessible on foot. A road network of more than 50 kilometers is available for getting around the island; in addition, there is a scenic ring road of approximately 35 kilometers running along the island.

A roughly 40-kilometer round trip around Lipari can be explored by scooter or bicycle. The Cave di Caolino–San Calogero excursion takes 3 to 4 hours and is of medium difficulty.

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More destinations

More destinations: San Piero Patti, Alcara Li Fusi, Raccuja, Tindari, Fondachelli-Fantina, Faro Superiore, Letojanni, Rodia

To the overarching travel overview: Messina.