Sicily's largest lagoon (2 000ha), a nature reserve since 1984, extends from the coast to the Isola Grande. It encompasses the islands of San Pantaleo (known as Mozia, its Ancient name), Santa Maria, which is covered entirely in vegetation, and Schola, an islet given a desolate and poignant feel by its old houses without roofs. The lagoon's shallow, very salty water encouraged the creation of many salt marshes, where salt production has since been abandoned.