Bonifati
Welcome to Bonifati!
Hello everyone! Today I will tell you about Bonifati, a beautiful municipality in the province of Cosenza, in Calabria. Around 2772 people live here, at an altitude of 425 meters above sea level, on the northwestern slopes of the Coastal Range. In addition, Bonifati is well-connected to the renowned coastal town of Cittadella del Capo in the Tyrrhenian Sea. If you are planning a vacation in Calabria, I recommend including Bonifati in your itinerary!
Physical Geography
Climate
Did you know that Bonifati is one of the Italian cities with the highest average annual relative humidity? It ranks thirteenth on the list, just after Milan and before Termoli. This information comes from the website Meteoweb.eu, which reports a 2011 statistic based on data from the Aeronautica Militare Meteorological Service. So, if you enjoy humid climates, Bonifati might just be the perfect place for you!
History
The history of Bonifati is fascinating: it is said that the village's name comes from the mispronunciation of the words "bene facere" by some shepherds who met a passing merchant. From that day on, the area was called Benefacite or Benefate and then Bonifati. Furthermore, popular tradition tells us that Bonifati was founded by refugees from the ancient city of Hiele, which was destroyed by the troops of Robert Guiscard in 1057. In 1270, Bonifati became a fiefdom given by Charles I of Anjou to Gismondo Palmieri as a sign of gratitude for the help he had given in the conquest of the Kingdom of Naples. In recent decades, the municipality of Bonifati has experienced significant growth thanks to the flourishing tourism economy along the Tyrrhenian coast.
Old Town and Cittadella del Capo
In addition to its history, Bonifati also offers many monuments and places of interest for visitors. In the historic center, I recommend visiting the ruins of the Castle-Fortress "Castel Bonifati," built by the Normans in the thirteenth century for territorial defense, but later destroyed by the Angevin-Valois in the fifteenth century. Furthermore, the town of Cittadella del Capo, located on the coast, offers many tourist activities and places of interest. The area was a Greek colony known as "Fella" in the past, and the only significant activities were agriculture and fishing. In the sixteenth century, Cittadella del Capo was conquered by the Turks under the hand of the Sultan Barbarossa. In recent decades, the town has experienced significant economic growth thanks to the seaside tourism and attracts many holidaymakers every year.
Conclusions
In summary, if you are looking for a place full of history, art, and nature, you cannot miss Bonifati in Calabria! This municipality offers us a splendid combination of culture and coastline, and is suitable for families and tourists looking for relaxation, crystal-clear beaches, and good food. I wish you a fantastic vacation in Bonifati!
