Republic of Rose Island
1 - may- 1968
26 - february - 1969



In 1967, Italian engineer Giorgio Rosa funded the construction of a 400 square metre platform supported by nine pylons, and furnished it with a number of commercial establishments.

The artificial island declared independence on 24 June 1968, under the Esperanto name "Insulo de la Rozoj", with Rosa as self-declared President (both Esperanto rozo and Italian rosa mean "rose").

the Italian government's response was swift and heavy-handed: a group of four carabinieri and tax inspectors landed on the "Isola delle Rose" and assumed control.
The platform's Council of Government is said to have sent a telegram, presumably to the Italian government, to protest the "violation of its sovereignty and the injury inflicted on local tourism by the military occupation", but this was ignored.

Soon afterwards the Italian Navy used explosives to destroy the facility.

An act later portrayed on postage stamps issued by Rosa's "Government in exile". (read less)

Republic of Rose Island
1 - may- 1968
26 - february - 1969



In 1967, Italian engineer Giorgio Rosa funded the construction of a 400 square metre platform supported by nine pylons, and furnished it with a number of commercial establishments.

The artificial island declared independence on 24 June 1968, under the Esperanto name "Insulo de la Rozoj", with Rosa as self-declared President (both Esperanto rozo and Italian rosa mean "rose").

the Italian government's response was swift and... (read more)