Argusto
Welcome to Argusto
Hello everyone! Today we will talk about a small Calabrian municipality that you may have never heard of: Argusto. With only 483 inhabitants, this little village in the province of Catanzaro has a lot of history and legends to tell, as well as monuments and landscapes that are worth knowing.
Where is it located
Argusto is located about 10 km south of the provincial capital, on the mountain range of the Serre. To give you an idea, it is a bit further north than the famous tourist resort of Soverato. The municipality, which is located 530 meters above sea level, is developed on the slopes of Mount Pizzinni, one of the highest peaks of the Serre.
The origin of the name
It is not known exactly where the name of the village comes from, but there are several hypotheses. Some say it could come from the Latin word "Arbustum" which means tree plantation. Alternatively, the name may have Greek origins, from "Argastos", which means unworked, or it may also have been derived from the name of an ancient Greek surname. In short, to this day the mystery surrounds the origin of the name!
History
The Argusto area has an ancient and complex history, dating back to pre-Roman times. The village has undergone the influence of various dominations: Byzantine, Arab, Norman, Swabian, and Angevin. Among the historical curiosities of the village, there is the legend related to the bridge of Sofia, dating back to the 11th-12th centuries. It is said that a beautiful girl, Sofia, fell in love with a young soldier who was stationed on that bridge. The two decided to run away together, but as soon as the soldier reached the opposite bank of the river, he was hit and killed by a hitman. Sofia, desperate, threw herself off the bridge screaming her lover's name. Since then, it is said that every night you can still hear Sofia's cry calling for her beloved.
Monuments and places of interest
Although it is a very small village, Argusto has several interesting monuments and places to visit. One of the most beautiful is the Palazzo Parisi, which is located in the heart of the village. It has a beautiful wooden door and a Baroque-style façade. The Palazzo Grassi, with its wrought iron balcony, is also worth a visit. But the most famous monument in Argusto is the bridge of Sofia, whose name recalls the legend we have just told you. Not far from the bridge, you can also visit the ruins of the monastery of Santa Maria della Sanità and the remains of an ancient building in the locality of Campo. Finally, we cannot forget the mother church of Argusto, dedicated to the patron saint, Saint Hilary of Poitiers. It is a majestic and very ancient building, whose interior is enriched by remarkable works of art.
Society
The village of Argusto has only 483 inhabitants, but we can say that the local community is very lively and warm. Although there are not many commercial or productive activities today, the village is gearing up to host more and more tourists.
Economy
Given its location in the mountains, the economy of the village is mainly based on agriculture and pastoralism. However, there are also people who work in neighboring villages or larger cities in the area.
Infrastructure and transport
Argusto is a slightly isolated village, but it can be easily reached by car. The State Road 182 of the Calabrian Serre and the State Road 713 Transversale delle Serre cross the municipal territory. Alternatively, you can reach the village by taking a bus or train to Catanzaro, and then taking another bus that departs from the station.
Administration
As in all the villages of Calabria, the administration of Argusto is managed by a mayor and a municipal council. Municipal elections are held every five years.
Conclusions
Here it is, I hope I have given you some useful information about Argusto, a characteristic and little-known village in the province of Catanzaro. If you are in the area, do not hesitate to visit it, you will discover a landscape ideal for those who love nature and tranquility. See you next time!
