Isola delle Femmine, PA

About This Island

Isola delle Femmine (Island of the Women), also known as Isolotto, is another Italian island steeped in history – from the provenance of its name to the relics it features. One legend tells that Turkish maidens were sent from their homeland on ships and left adrift in the middle of the sea. In time, the ships came to wreck on a small island, and it was there that they lived for seven years. The island in question became known as Isola delle Femmine. A derelict watchtower is the island’s centrepiece – a remnant of the 16th-century defence system that protected Sicily from the attacks of Corsair ships. Whilst currently in ruin, there is potential for conservative restoration – a process that could pave way for a private residence or archaeological museum. Genuine intent to rebuild the structure would require cooperation with local and national bodies. There is also a possibility to obtain funding from the European Union or the Ministries of Cultural Heritage, Activities, and Tourism for a cultural development program on the isle. Though further details on such a proposition would have to be gleaned. As is, the island could also serve as a valuable preservation piece. Isola delle Femmine also benefits from its premium location on the Sicilian coast – the city of Palermo, and its airports, are less than 20 kilometres away.