Aieta
Welcome to Aieta: a village between the sea and the mountains
Hello everyone! Are you ready to explore a charming village in the heart of Calabria? Today I will take you to discover Aieta, a municipality with only 767 inhabitants located in the province of Cosenza. This town is an integral part of the Pollino National Park and is located a few kilometers from the Tyrrhenian Sea. However, the cultural and gastronomic traditions of Aieta are more typically mountainous.
The origin of the name
The name "Aieta" comes from ancient Greek and means "city of the eagle". This name could be related to the dominant position of the village or to the presence of numerous eagles in the region. You can also admire the eagle in the town's coat of arms.
The history of Aieta
The basin between the mountains Calimaro, Curatolo, Rosello, Gada, La Destra, Ciagola, Le Fabbriche, Schiena has been inhabited and cultivated since prehistoric times. During the times of the Enotri and Lucani, it was the site of a Roman villa of agriculture. During this period, the Lucani built the first observation fortification on Mount Calimaro to defend the territory against the Greeks of Thurii coming from the Mercure-Lao valley through the Piani del Carro di Tortora.
Following the Norman conquest, the position of Mount Calimaro became useless and was abandoned, as there were no longer any enemies to watch out for. Thus, the village on the ridge overlooking the valley of Tortora and the inner basin was expanded and populated. Since then, Aieta has experienced the vicissitudes common to other Mar Tirreno centers merged with the Neapolitan possessions of the Hohenstaufen, Angioini, Corona d'Aragona, foreign dominations, the kingdom of the Bourbons of Naples from Carlo III of Spain onwards, until annexation to the Kingdom of Italy, with the only interruption of French domination during the sad Napoleonic parenthesis in the first decade of the 19th century.
The historic center of Aieta
The historic center of Aieta is located 524 meters above sea level and is dominated by the Baronial Palace. This palace is a rare example of Renaissance architecture in Calabria and is one of Aieta's historical treasures. In addition, the historic center houses several churches and palaces of historical interest. Thanks to its beauty, Aieta is among the "most beautiful villages in Italy".
The traditional cuisine of Aieta
The cuisine of Aieta is very tied to the mountain tradition. Among the typical dishes we find 'nduja, a spicy sausage made with pork meat and chili pepper, grilled goat, wild boar stew, and chestnut fritters. Don't miss the delicious "pitta 'mpigliata", a kind of layered cake filled with walnuts, dried figs, almonds, and honey.
The nature around Aieta
Aieta is located within the Pollino National Park, a paradise for nature lovers. Here you can admire a rich and varied flora and fauna. In addition, the territory of Aieta is characterized by the presence of numerous caves, some of which are visitable.
Conclusions
I hope you enjoyed my virtual trip to Aieta! This enchanting village will fascinate you with its beauty and history. If you are looking for a place to find peace and tranquility between the sea and the mountains, Aieta is perfect for you. Don't forget to taste the delicious dishes of traditional cuisine and explore the natural beauties of the Pollino National Park. Safe travels!
