Santa Marina Salina borders the municipalities of Leni and Malfa.
Physical geography
Territory
The municipality of Santa Marina Salina is located in the eastern part of the island of Salina, at the foot of Monte Fossa delle Felci (which rises to 962 m above sea level and is the highest point of all the Aeolian Islands) and Monte Rivi. It covers the area that extends from the mountain summits to the sea. It is a densely vegetated area, composed of eucalyptus, red eucalyptus, acacias, alders, elms, pines, holm oaks, chestnuts, ferns, and many others. Along the coast is the town of Santa Marina Salina, where the parish church and the main shops and nightlife venues are located. At the southern end of the municipality is the district of Lingua, near a saltwater lagoon.[3][4][5]
Origins of the name
The name of the town derives from the cult of Saint Marina (to whom one of the churches in the settlement is also dedicated), which spread to the island starting from the 16th century. This cult was probably brought by colonists of Venetian origin (Saint Marina is co-patron of Venice), who arrived as exiles to the Aeolian Islands from various Mediterranean locations due to the gradual reduction of the territories of the Republic of Venice conquered by the Ottoman Empire.[6]
The specification "Salina" was added when the town became an autonomous municipality in 1909, perhaps to distinguish it from the already existing municipality of Santa Marina in Campania. It refers to the name of the island, which derives from the aforementioned saltwater lagoon located in the Lingua area, which was used in ancient times as a salt pan: the lagoon gave its name to the entire island.[6][7]
History
The town center, the Church of Maria Santissima Addolorata and, lower down, the church of Santa MarinaStreet in Santa Marina Salina
Archaeological finds testify that the island of Salina has been inhabited since the 5th millennium BC. The colonization of the island by people of Greek descent, likely the Aeolians, dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. Other finds attest to human presence in the territory of Santa Marina Salina in the 15th century BC. Following the destruction of this settlement, likely carried out by the Ausoni, the island presumably remained uninhabited until the 6th century BC, when Lipari and consequently Salina were populated by Doric peoples, who made Santa Marina Salina the main center of the island. In the following centuries, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines succeeded one another until the conquest by the Arabs in 840. In the 12th century, the island was then populated by Amalfi refugees who landed at Malfa.[8][9]
In recent times, in 1867, the island of Salina, being one of the only two densely populated Aeolian islands (the other being Lipari), was ordered to become an autonomous municipality, separating from the municipality of Lipari, which remained for the other six islands. Thus, the municipality of Salina was created, with its capital in Santa Marina. However, the other towns on the island had difficulty bearing the dependence on the capital, so in 1909, the separation resulted in the three municipalities of Santa Marina Salina, Malfa, and Leni.[7][8]
Symbols
The coat of arms and the banner were granted by decree of the President of the Republic on November 21, 1996.[10]
Coat of Arms
The coat of arms is truncated. The upper part is cut and bears seven stars symbolizing the Aeolian Islands, arranged such that Salina is in the center, along with the trinacria, symbol of Sicily. The lower part depicts the island of Salina as seen from the sea and an anchor, symbolizing navigation.
Banner
The banner is a cloth of white.
Monuments and places of interest
View of the townThe church of Santa Marina at night
The Saracenic caves, excavated in tuff as a hiding place against the raids of the Saracens around 650. They are a series of interconnected spaces containing inscriptions and votive signs from that era[3]
Salt collection pools, dating back to the Greek period (3rd century BC), located in Lingua[3]
Archaeological area of Barone (thermal baths and fish salting plant)
In addition to the official Italian language, the Sicilian language is spoken in its Aeolian variant in Santa Marina Salina. The richness of influences in Sicilian, which belongs to the Romance languages family and is classified in the extreme southern group, derives from the geographical position of the island, whose centrality in the Mediterranean Sea has made it a land of conquest by numerous peoples in the Mediterranean area.
Culture
Schools
Primary School of Santa Marina Salina
Elementary School of Lingua
Museums
Civic Museum (Santa Marina Salina) - This museum showcases the local culture and history, including archaeological findings from the region.
Festivals
Several traditional festivals are celebrated in Santa Marina Salina, including:
Feast of Saint Marina, celebrated on July 18, honoring the town's patron saint with religious processions and local festivities.
The "Sagra del Cappero" (Capers Festival), held in August, promotes local agriculture and traditional cuisine, featuring dishes made with capers, a local specialty.
Cuisine
The culinary traditions of Santa Marina Salina reflect the Mediterranean diet, characterized by fresh fish, vegetables, and local products. Specialties include:
Capers from Lingua - Renowned for their quality, they are used in various dishes.
Aeolian bread - A traditional bread made with local ingredients.
Fish dishes, particularly swordfish and sardines, often grilled or baked with Mediterranean herbs.
Economy
The economy of Santa Marina Salina is primarily based on tourism, agriculture, and fishing. The island attracts visitors for its natural beauty, beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Agriculture is centered around the cultivation of capers, olives, and grapes, which are also used in local wine production. Fishing remains an important activity, with local fishermen providing fresh seafood to the community and tourists.
