DIVING FROM VILLASIMIUS
LA MADONNA DEL MARINAIO
Dive Information:
Position: Isola dei Cavoli,in the gap between the two Variglioni
Seabed: rocky, granite on sand
Difficulty: low
Depth: 12-14 metres
Current: possible when the wind is from the south east or south
Visibility: excellent all year round
Maximum summer temperature: 22°C
Minimum winter temperature: 13 °C
Of particular interest:
A large trachyte statue of the Madonna approximately 4 metres high that was sculpted by the Sardinian artist Pinuccio Sciola. On the penultimate Sunday of July there is a ceremony dedicated to the statue (the Madonna of those lost at sea) with hundreds of divers laying flowers at the base of the statue in memory of those lost at sea. The Parish priest of Villasimius, who is himself a diver, carries out an underwater blessing, accompanied by representatives of the various diving corps of the armed and emergency forces. Meanwhile on the surface a flotilla of boats sound their horns and whistles to salute the Madonna.
Flora and fauna: seasonal shoals of saddled seabream, brown meagre and solitary groupers.
Description:
The Madonna is marked by a bronze plaque attached to the rock-face of Variglione and by a buoy that is anchored directly onto the base of the statue. The dive follows the anchor rope or in free descent to reach the base of the statue which is at a depth of approximately 12m. Exploring the area surrounding the statue it is possible to find ravines and a variety of flora and fauna
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