Cardinale
Welcome to Cardinale: a journey to discover this Calabrian town
Welcome to Cardinale, a town in the province of Catanzaro located in the beautiful region of Calabria. With its 1834 inhabitants, this small town is renowned for the cultivation of the prized "Tonda di Calabria Hazelnut".
Let's discover together the beauty of the territory, the origin of its name, its history, and the attractions that make Cardinale a perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation.
Physical Geography
Territory
Cardinale, located at 562 meters above sea level, is surrounded by forests of Corylus avellana, chestnut, olive, citrus, oak, and beech, thanks to reforestation efforts started in the 1950s and 1960s. Cardinale's central location in the region makes it easy to reach all the towns and cities of Calabria.
Hydrography
The historic center is crossed by the Ancinale River, which originates from Mount Pecoraro and flows into the Ionian Sea near Soverato, after a course of about 35 km. Along the river, you can admire the Osmunda regalis fern, which is very rare in Calabria.
Cardinale is also home to two artificial dams, the Alaco Dam and the Cardinale Dam, the latter built for the operation of a hydroelectric plant.
Ancinale Valley
The Ancinale Valley is a geographically alluvial area that houses the town of Cardinale. It is one of the most picturesque places in the municipality.
Climate
Cardinale enjoys an optimal climate, with hot summers and cool nights, and brief snowfalls in winter.
Origin of the Name
There are several theories about the name Cardinale. The first suggests that "Cardinale" comes from the Latin "cardinalis" (cardinal, boundary line) because of the central location of the town compared to other municipalities in the area. Another theory suggests that the name comes from the term "cardinava", meaning wool processing. Finally, some believe that the name comes from an unidentified person's name.
History
The historic center of Cardinale is rich in testimonials from the past, including numerous churches and two castles. Throughout its history, which includes the presence of Neolithic settlements, Cardinale has been a thriving town with over 4000 inhabitants.
Monuments and Attractions
The historic center of Cardinale is rich in granite artifacts, including churches and noble palaces. Among the main tourist attractions of the municipality are:
- The Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which dates back to the 18th century and has a Baroque architecture;
- The Convent of San Francesco, founded in 1575, which houses a frescoed church and an ancient library;
- The Norman Castle, dating back to the 11th century, which offers a panoramic view of the Ancinale Valley and Sila;
- The Ancinale Adventure Park, an amusement park immersed in nature that offers acrobatic courses on tree tops.
The "Tonda di Calabria Hazelnut"
The Tonda di Calabria Hazelnut, one of the typical products of the region, is also grown in Cardinale. It is a variety of hazelnut with an intense and aromatic flavor used mainly for the production of sweets and baked goods.
Conclusions
The beauty of the landscape, history, tourist attractions, and the valuable production of Tonda di Calabria Hazelnut make Cardinale an ideal destination for a vacation full of nature, relaxation, and good food. Come and discover this hidden treasure of Calabria!
