The Incredible Story of the Island of Roses

GDN - The Island of Roses, also known as the Esperantist Republic of the Island of Roses, was a micronation created by the Bolognese engineer Giorgio Rosa in 1958 and active until 1969.

This unusual state entity was located on an artificial platform of 400 m² in the Adriatic Sea, 11.6 km off the coast between Rimini and Bellaria-Igea Marina, and 500 meters outside Italian territorial waters. On May 1, 1968, the Island of Roses declared itself an independent state. However, no country in the world ever officially recognized this micronation. The experience of the micronation ended on June 26, 1968, when Italian police forces occupied the island and blocked its activities. The platform was demolished in February of the following year.

Although initially considered an attempt at "urbanization" of the sea for commercial benefits, the Island of Roses has been re-evaluated over time for its utopian aspect and its unusual genesis. Rosa also designed a control tower, an autonomous power plant, and a helipad to make the island completely self-sufficient. His ambition was to create a paradise suspended in time and space, a place where art, music, and culture could thrive without borders.

The Island of Roses quickly became a symbol of freedom and autonomy, attracting tourists from around the world eager to experience this unique independent micro-state. However, its existence was short-lived: in 1968, the Italian government decided to put an end to Rosa's dream and demolished the island. Despite the premature end of the Island of Roses, Giorgio Rosa's project remains a testament to human creativity and audacity. This engineer, also known for his excellent work in the cement industry and with the prestigious Ducati, taught us that with determination, ingenuity, and courage, it is possible to realize even the boldest dreams. His vision serves as a warning to future generations: never stop dreaming big, for only in this way can you change the world.

Giorgio Rosa's life is an example of how essential it is to trust in one’s abilities and vision. He demonstrated that determination and passion can turn dreams into reality, leaving an indelible mark in history.

In 2020, a film titled "The Incredible Story of the Island of Roses" was made. Giorgio Rosa lived until the age of 92, fondly recalling his "creature," that platform that captivated the world and contributed to the tourist success of the Rimini Riviera. He passed away in his Bologna in 2017 and is buried at the "Certosa di Bologna" cemetery.