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Pancraticum Marinum, Giglio di mare o Narciso di mare - Pancraticum Marinum, Sea Lily or Sea Daffodil.

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Poetry and Mythology - Menfi's beaches - AG, Italia.

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Poetry and Mythology - Menfi's beaches - AG, Italia.

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A hot and sultry day in July, the sun high in the sky, the expanse of crystal clear water before your eyes... a paradise: the Mediterranean Sea caressing the Sicilian coasts. And then, turning, among the golden dunes, in the midst of the hot sand, among weeds and tufts of wild grass, a white and snowy flower stands out... it almost looks like a pearl, after all we are near the sea, but what a flower And? A lily? Is it ever possible? And in fact, the well-known and best-known sea lily is actually not a lily but a plant of the Pancratium genus, which finds life above all on the Mediterranean coasts, from Sicily to Sardinia, from the Canary Islands to Morocco to the coasts of Portugal, but also in Calabria, Basilicata, Puglia, Molise, reaching thanks to the storm surges up to the coasts of the Dead Sea and the Black Sea.

The Pancraticum Marinum, Sea Lily or Sea Narcissus, is characterized by large globose bulbs that grow under the sand, large green leaves -blue and double corolla of petals; their fragrance and sweet smell spreads mainly during cool nights, enchanting like the song of a siren, but... be careful of the small black seeds that can be found at its feet as they are poisonous.

The spread of this plant is due not only to pollination due to the moth called "bindweed sphinx" but also to its particular dissemination: its spongy seeds, once the sea storms arrive, fluctuating among the sea currents, spread along the rough coasts by currents and waves; as in a Greek fairy tale, this delicate but wild plant almost hides ancient secrets that have now been forgotten.

His birth has mythological roots: the powerful god Zeus took the little Heracle with him to feed him with divine milk and secretly united him to the breast of his wife Hera during his sleep. However, from the first months of life the baby showed vigor and strength: the violence with which he bit the goddess' breast made her suddenly wake up and push him away: from that sudden gesture a spray of milk came out which partly ended up in the sky, generating the Milky Way and another on the earth from which the Sea Lily was born.

At this point the legends and myths expand and multiply, but the most bizarre is the one caused by the usual envy of the very vain Aphrodite who, full of bile for the beauty of her flower, made the long yellow stamens that stain the flowers grow inside her, her fingers.

If we note its scientific name, Pancratium Matirimum, from the Greek pan, "all" and cratys "powerful", it hides medicinal and magical virtues that the ancients made use of, perhaps precisely because of its divine birth; it may be useful to remember that in ancient Greece the pankraticon was a gymnastic discipline based on vigor where boxing and free wrestling were mixed: symbolic if you think of the strength of this sport and the resistance of the flower.

In the time of Pliny the Elder (23–79 AD) the name Pankrátion had been used generically to describe some coastal plant species having pharmaceutical properties, especially soothing properties, used by sailors to cool the skin from sunburn. The root, however, cooked in fat and oil was useful in cases of hair and hair burns. According to Galen, however, it was a remedy for black bile.

The beautiful and fragrant flowers with showy pearly petals are generated by a bulb that grows and finds shelter under the dunes, but like all the most delicate flowers, even if wild by nature, the lily is a protected species, so much so that its collection it is prohibited. A "homage" from nature that is not very welcome by some municipal administrations who, omissive with respect to the protection of this botanical rarity, order indiscriminate cleaning of the beaches every summer using mechanical means.

For this reason, Natura2000 was born, an instrument of the European Union policy for the protection of biodiversity. This is a project covering the entire territory of the Union, created to ensure the long-term defense of natural habitats and threatened or rare flora and fauna species. Its use is still curious today, perhaps because it was drawn from old sources, or from beliefs of a mythological - divine nature, Giglio di Mare is grown in laboratory greenhouses by some modern cosmetics houses and from it is extracted, a principle active for the reduction of skin pigmentation caused by stress and aging.

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Una giornata calda e afosa di luglio, il sole alto nel cielo, la distesa d’acqua cristallina davanti agli occhi…un paradiso: il Mar Mediterraneo che costeggia carezzando le coste Siciliane. E poi, voltandosi, fra le dune dorate, in mezzo la sabbia rovente, fra sterpaglie e ciuffetti d’erba selvaggia, si erge candido e niveo un fiore….sembra una perla quasi, d’altronde siamo vicino al mare, ma che fiore è? Un giglio? Possibile mai? E in effetti, il conosciuto e meglio noto Giglio di mare in realtà non è un giglio ma una pianta del genere Pancratium, che trova vita soprattutto nelle coste mediterranee, dalla Sicilia alla Sardegna, dalle Canarie al Marocco alle coste del Portogallo, ma anche in Calabria, Basilicata, Puglia, Molise, spingendosi grazie alle mareggiate fino alle coste del Mar Morto e del Mar Nero.

Il Pancraticum Marinum, Giglio di mare o Narciso di mare, è caratterizzato da grandi bulbi globosi che crescono sotto la sabbia, grandi foglie verde-azzurro e doppia corolla di petali; la loro fragranza e il dolce odore si diffonde principalmente durante le notti fresche, ammalia come il canto di una sirena, ma… attenzione ai piccoli semi neri che possono trovarsi ai suoi piedi poiché sono velenosi.

La diffusione di questa pianta è dovuta non solo per impollinazione dovuta al lepidottero chiamato “sfinge del convolvolo” ma anche alla sua particolare disseminazione: i suoi semi spugnosi, una volta sopraggiunte le mareggiate, fluttuando fra le correnti marine, si diffondono lungo le coste sospinte dalle correnti e dalle onde; come in una favola greca, questa pianta delicata ma selvaggia nasconde quasi dei segreti antichi ormai dimenticati.

La sua nascita ha radici mitologiche: il potente dio Zeus, prese con sé il piccolo Heracle per nutrirlo con latte divino e lo unì segretamente al seno della moglie Hera durante il suo sonno. Il piccolo però già dai primi mesi di vita dimostrava vigore e forza: la violenza con la quale morse il seno della dea la fece destare improvvisamente che lo allontanò: da quel gesto improvviso ne uscì fuori uno spruzzo di latte che finì in parte in cielo generando la Via Lattea e un altro sulla terra da cui nacque il Giglio di mare.

A questo punto le leggende e i miti si ampliano e moltiplicano, ma il più bizzarro è quello che vuole la consueta invidia della vanitosissima Afrodite che piena di bile per la bellezza del fiore fece crescere al suo interno i lunghi stami gialli che macchiano le dita. Se notiamo il suo nome scientifico, Pancratium Matirimum, dal greco pan, “tutto” e cratys “potente” nasconde virtù medicinali e magiche di cui gli antichi si sono serviti, forse proprio a causa della sua nascita divina; può essere utile ricordare che nell’antica Grecia il pankraticon era una disciplina ginnica fondata sul vigore dove si mescolavano pugilato e lotta libera: simbolico se si pensa alla forza di questo sport e la resistenza del fiore.

Ai tempi di Plinio il Vecchio (23–79 d.C.) il nome Pankrátion era stato usato genericamente per descrivere alcune specie vegetali costiere aventi proprietà farmaceutiche soprattutto facoltà lenitive, usata dai marinai per rinfrescare la pelle dalle scottature solari. La radice invece cotta nel grasso e nell’olio era utile nei casi di bruciature di peli e capelli. Secondo Galeno invece era un rimedio contro la bile nera.

I bellissimi e odorosi fiori dagli appariscenti petali perlacei, sono generati da un bulbo che cresce e trova riparo sotto le dune, ma come tutti i più delicati fiori, se pur selvaggi per natura, il Giglio è una specie protetta, tanto che la sua raccolta è proibita. Un “omaggio” della natura poco gradito da alcune amministrazioni comunali che, omissive rispetto alla salvaguardia di questa rarità botanica, dispongono ogni estate una indiscriminata pulizia delle spiagge a colpi di mezzi meccanici.

Per questo motivo è nato Natura2000, uno strumento della politica dell'Unione Europea per la custodia della biodiversità. Si tratta di un progetto esteso su tutto il territorio dell'Unione, nato per assicurare la difesa a lungo termine degli habitat naturali e delle specie di flora e fauna minacciati o rari. Curioso è tutt’oggi il suo utilizzo, sarà perché si è attinto alle vecchie fonti, o alle credenze di natura mitologica - divine, Giglio di Mare è coltivato in serre da laboratorio da alcune moderne case di cosmesi e da esso viene estratto, un principio attivo per la riduzione della pigmentazione della pelle causata da stress e avanzamento dell’età.

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Beach "Le Solette" - site Sea Lilies + Dunes + Nature Reserve.

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The "Solette", coastal area of 25 hectares of naturalistic interest between Porto Palo and the Belice River, border the natural reserve at the mouth of Belice River.

Along the vallone "Gurra di mare" various plant species can be found: the sea lily, the tamarisk, the prickly rush, the horned poppy.

On the rocky coast you can see: the sea fennel, the common stratice, the dwarf palms, the female camedrio, the autumn narcissus and capers.

The valley is populated by hares, weasels, hedgehogs and fox, while many species of migratory birds make their nests on the ridge.

The "Solette", with the enchanting wild beach and crystal clear sea water and unspoiled nature, are one of the most beautiful places around here.

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Porto Palo di Menfi - sito Giglio del Mare

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In Porto Palo of Menfi, various plant species can be found: the sea lily, tamarisk, prickly rush, and horned poppy, as well as several and differents palm trees.

Porto Palo is an ancient fishing village; today, it's the most important seaside resort in the district.

The village consists of a group of houses and settlements distributed on a rocky outcrop topped by the characteristic Coast Guard Tower built in 1583 to defend the town from pirate attacks.

Porto Palo has a landing place used by both pleasure craft and fishing boats. The sandy beach stretches the length of the gulf in a relaxing environment with few residential settlements.

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Photo. The promenade of Porto Palo - Menfi, AG, Italia.

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Photo. The promenade of Porto Palo - Menfi, AG, Italia.

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Photo. The Saracen tower of Porto Palo - Menfi, AG, Italia.

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Photo. The Saracen tower of Porto Palo - Menfi, AG, Italia.

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Strada senza nome, 92013 Porto Palo AG, Italia

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Photo. The port of Porto Palo - Menfi, AG, Italia.

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Photo. The port of Porto Palo - Menfi, AG, Italia.

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SICILIA "PORTO PALO DI MENFI" (video editing 4k)

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Contrada Cipollazzo - Second Lilies of the Sea site + Dunes site.

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The "Contrada/Serrone Cipollazzo" is a hilly area of about 60 m behind the beach between Porto Palo and Lido Fiori.

It resembles a giant dune.

In the beach of Serrone "Cipollazzo" you can take some clay and sprinkle yourself with it.

It will definitely be a funny experience, but also a benefit for your skin; there is no cream on the market that makes your skin so soft and velvety!!!

This location gets its name from the bulb of the reeds that grow in this zone, which resembles an onion... hence the name "Cipollazzo". Memphians usually call this area "u' cipuddazzo".

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Lido Fiori - Third Sea Lilies site + Caretta caretta sea turtles (WWF, Marevivo and Plastic free protection site).

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Lido Fiori is one of the most famous beaches in Menfi and is very popular with tourists and locals. The beach has been awarded with the prestigious FEE Blue Flag for several consecutive years, for its excellent cleanliness and the quality of services offered.

Lido Fiori is so fascinating for its natural features. The beach is mostly free and wild, with beautiful dunes that give a unique charm to this stretch of Sicilian coastline.

Visitors can rent convenient equipment such as beach chairs, sunbeds, and umbrellas, but they can also choose to enjoy the natural beauty without too many amenities.

Lido Fiori's crystal clear waters and gently sloping seabed make the sea ideal for safe swimming. Even those who cannot swim will find this environment suitable for swimming. The fine golden sand adds an extra touch of magic to this wonderful beach.

For those who want to spend a day in harmony with nature and enjoy an unspoiled sea, Lido Fiori is definitely a destination to consider. No wonder so many people can't wait to return there to relax and have fun under the bright Sicilian sun.

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Strada senza nome, 92013 Menfi AG, Italia

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Caretta Caretta sea turtles in cipollazzo, lido fiori, capparrina beaches.

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Photo. Caretta Caretta sea turtles in Lido Fiori - 92013 Menfi AG, Italia.

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Photo. Caretta Caretta sea turtles in Lido Fiori - 92013 Menfi AG, Italia.

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Strada senza nome, 92013 Menfi AG, Italia

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"Capparrina" beach is a valuable nature area located near the vineyards and the "Femmina Morta" stream. The vegetation is lush and includes dwarf palms and iris.

Sea lily and maritime eryngium grow on the beach dunes. The isolated beach provides an ideal habitat for several animal species, including the sea turtle and the bog turtle.

This natural environment offers a rich and diverse ecosystem, with the presence of unique and often protected flora and fauna. The coexistence of different natural elements, such as palms, iris, turtles and other species, makes this area particularly fascinating and ecologically valuable. It's an ideal place to observe and preserve biodiversity, as well as to enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of unspoiled nature.

A small wetland has been created near the mouth of the "Femmina Morta" little river, and it attracts several species of migratory birds.

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Strada senza nome, 92013 Menfi AG, Italia

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"Bertolino" beach - Sea Lilies site + White Jackets + Pine forest

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The beach of "Giache Bianche" (white stones) in Menfi.

For those people who do not like sand and want to stay away from confusion, among the seaside resorts of Menfi, there is also a small natural paradise that deserves to be discovered in all its beauty: the beach of "Giache Bianche".

Those who arrive here will find themselves in front of an incredible and evocative expanse of white stones, called "giache" in Sicilian dialect. The "giache" sparkle in the sun and give the sea enchanting shades, from turquoise to cobalt blue.

The beach stretches for about two kilometers and reaches the mouth of the Carboj River, at the extreme tip of the Menfitan coast.

Since it is not easy to reach, it is little frequented even at the height of the bathing season: the perfect place for those who want to spend a day at the sea in Menfi and discover an unspoiled corner of Sicily.

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Istituto Comprensivo - Santi Bivona Menfi AG, Italia

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Istituto Comprensivo - Santi Bivona Menfi AG, Italia

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ad indirizzo musicale - Contrada Soccorso - 92013 Menfi (AG) * Tel: 092571895 Fax: 092573400

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Menfi - Italy - Save sand lilies - eTwinning - I.C. Santi Bivona Activities on our wild beaches

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Menfi - Italy - Save sand lilies - eTwinning - I.C. Santi Bivona Activities on our wild beaches

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Menfi - Italy - Save sand lilies - eTwinning - I.C. Santi Bivona Activities on our wild beaches

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Strada Senza Nome, 92013 Menfi AG, Italia

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Strada Senza Nome, 92013 Menfi AG, Italia

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Strada Senza Nome, 92013 Menfi AG, Italia

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BERTOLINO, GIACHE BIANCHE.