Maddalena

Italian island off the north coast of Sardinia; area 20 sq km/8 sq mi. It was developed in 1887 as an Italian naval base; fishing and tourism have since gained importance. The chief town and port is La Maddalena (population (1991 est) 11,100). Almost uninhabited until 1770, the island served as a base for Nelson's fleet blockading Toulon, France, 1803–05, during the Napoleonic Wars; the church here still preserves a letter and gifts from Nelson.

Maddalena is linked by a causeway to the island of Caprera, site of the home (now a museum) and tomb of the Italian patriot Giuseppe Garibaldi, who died here in 1882.

Maddalena

Opera in one act by Prokofiev (libretto by composer after M Lieven); 1911–13, first performed by the BBC on 25 March 1979. It was orchestrated by E Downes and conducted by him. Maddalena's husband Genaro and lover Stenio kill each other in a struggle.