Sálvora facts for kids
Sálvora Island as seen from the mainland
|
|
 Sálvora
Location in Galicia
|
|
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°28′25″N 9°00′42″W / 42.4736°N 9.0117°W |
| Total islands | 1 |
| Administration | |
|
Spain
|
|
| Autonomous community | Galicia |
| Province | A Coruña |
| Municipality | Santa Uxía de Ribeira |
Sálvora Island (Galician: Illa de Sálvora [ˈiɟɐ ðɪ ˈsalβʊɾɐ]; Spanish: Isla de Sálvora [ˈisla ðe ˈsalβoɾa]) is a small island. It is located off the coast of Galicia, Spain. You can find it in the Ría de Arousa.
The island is part of the Santa Uxía de Ribeira municipality. It is also a special part of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park. Sálvora is about 3 kilometers away from the mainland. The island covers about 190 hectares. Its highest point is 71 meters tall, called As Gralleiras. Most of the island's edge is rocky. But it also has three beautiful beaches with fine white sand. Since 2001, it has been protected as part of the National Park.
Today, Sálvora Island is part of the Aguiño area. This area belongs to the Riveira municipality. The island used to be linked to Carreira. Carreira was a very old and important area for many centuries.
In 2007, a bank called Caixa Galicia bought the island. They paid 8.5 million euros for it. Later that year, the Spanish government stepped in. The Ministry of Environment bought Sálvora and two other islands. They paid the same amount of money. Since 2008, the Board of Galicia has owned the island. They work with the Ministry of Environment. Together, they are making plans to protect and improve the island.
Island History: Sálvora's Past
Sálvora Island has a long and interesting history. In the year 899, King Alfonso II gave the island away. He gave it to the church leaders in Santiago. They needed the island's resources to live. This gift also included other islands like Ons and Cies. Another king, Ordoño, later confirmed this gift.
Around 1120, the island faced a challenge. Ships from Saracen invaders came to Sálvora. They used the island as a safe place. They were waiting for more ships to arrive. Their plan was to invade the mainland. But they waited for a long time. This delay gave Christian ships a chance to act. The archbishop of Santiago sent these ships. They were able to capture the invading ships. After this event, Sálvora became well-known. Many important families wanted to own the island.
See also
In Spanish: Isla de Sálvora para niños
