There is an island in the Mediterranean between Tunisia and Sicily loved for its sea and its riches. It is the island of Pantelleria, a place to visit and also to be discovered. Because there is a part of the island that is little known and that still has a lot to give. In Pantelleria, in fact, there are the "dammusi" ancient rural buildings, which date back to the times of Arab domination. But they soon became places of attraction and visits for those who love nature tourism. Here then is the history and some curiosities about the "dammusi" of Pantelleria.
What are the dammusi of Pantelleria
The word dammuso derives from the term Arabic "Dammus". It was used to indicate the vaults of the houses. The word then had an extension indicating the entire house in Pantelleria. They therefore have Arab origin and are fully part of the natural landscape. But be careful not to be fooled by appearances. The dammusi are not simple rural constructions. Rather the result of the work of the inhabitants who have used construction technologies, but there are also simplicity and synthesis in the elements chosen.
How the dammusi of Pantelleria are made
To make them, therefore, the inhabitants of Pantelleria took into account the wind, heat, scarcity of rain, but also the richness of lava material. The roofs are therefore domed, necessary to collect rainwater in the cisterns. The walls of the buildings can reach up to one meter and forty in thickness and this serves to insulate the house against the summer heat and winter cold.
The volcanic rock, called pantellerite, makes up the blocks of volcanic rock which are assembled dry. There are three rooms in the house: the main one is the kammira, and then the arkova and the kammirino. Few openings. In addition to the dammusi there are circular constructions in lava stone called “Jardinu”, which are used for the cultivation of fruit trees and colorful flowers. As well as citrus, olive and date palms.
The ancient buildings today
The dammusi of Pantelleria have now become places to visit, but also homes where you can spend your holidays. Some are transformed into comfortable homes equipped with every comfort. So many "modernization" works that have enriched the traditional houses.
Pantelleria, where it is located
The island is located in the Strait of Sicily. It is 70 kilometers from Tunisia. From Sicily 110. It has an area of 83 square kilometers and a perimeter of 51,5 kilometers. Pantelleria presents magmatic rocks. The highest point is the Montagna Grande. The coasts are rocky with black lava and carved out of caves. The history of Pantelleria dates back to about 5000 years ago. The first inhabitants to the third millennium BC
What to see and taste in Pantelleria
The island, therefore, offers several attractions. From the sea, to the dammusi to visit. But also typical products to taste. One of all is the Passito di Pantelleria, made from Zibibbo grapes. And more space for relaxation with the underwater thermal springs near the coast.
Cover image taken from the Facebook page "Pantelleria Island National Park"
