Lampedusa is an island found within the west of the Maltese islands and is only as big as one third of Gozo. Even though it forms part of Italy, the tiny island has a rich history attached to Malta.

As explained by Temp Madwarna, 200 years ago there were only Maltese people living in Lampedusa.

This was because 200 years ago, the island was under the hands of Maltese businessman, Salvatore Gatt. He had rented the island from the noble Sicilian family by name of Tomasi. It had been under the noble’s family care for the previous 250 years.

In fact, the historical famous novel, Il Gattopardo was written by Giuseppe of the Tomasi family.

During the British times in Malta, some wanted the island as a backup in case Malta gets taken back under the rule of the Order of St John but it did not have any fortifications or a good harbour.

Some even suggested that Maltese farmers go to work the land so Malta would not be as dependent for its produce from Sicily, Russia and Turkey.

In fact, over 200 Maltese citizens left for Lampedusa but by 1813 they all came running back to Malta due to a yellow fever that broke out in Lampedusa after the arrival of the HMS Partridge.

In 1810 the Maltese merchants leased the island to Alexander Fernandez of the Army Commissariat in the Mediterranean. However, the British were very skeptical of his behaviour and in fact when the Governor visited the island, he found that Fernandez was running a business venture so he withdre all the British troops stationed on the island.

The island fell back to Maltese rule but Salvatore Gatt died or disappeared sometime between 1813 and 1821. The island was taken over by Fortunato Frendo who had murdered Salvatore’s wife.

Eventually, the Tomasi family sold the island to the Neapolitan King, Ferdinand II in 1840 and the island became the property of the Kingdom of Naples.

Today, the island is home to 4000 refugees that were saved from drowning while dangerously crossing the Mediterranean.