Civita
Welcome to Civita: the village among the rocks
Civita, or Çifti in the Arbëreshë language, is a charming municipality in the province of Cosenza in Calabria. With its 819 inhabitants, it is one of Italy's historic Albanian communities, located within the Gole del Raganello Nature Reserve and in the heart of the Pollino National Park.
The village is located on a hilly area in northeastern Calabria overlooking the Ionian Sea. Its privileged location makes it one of the points of access to the national park for visitors from Puglia, Calabria, and Sicily. Housed on a plateau overlooking the narrow Raganello Gorges of the Raganello River, Civita is surrounded by wooded mountains, with glimpses of the Ionian Sea on the horizon.
The village is known as "the village among the rocks" for its immense green mountains surrounding its valley, as well as "the village of the Devil's Bridge." This name is due to its ancient and characteristic medieval stone bridge. Civita not only preserves the identity and ancient traditions of the Arbëreshë people but also belongs to the Most Beautiful Villages of Italy and the Orange Flag.
Physical geography
Civita is located at an altitude of 450 m above sea level and is immersed in the unspoiled nature of the Gole del Raganello Nature Reserve. The valley in which it stands is surrounded by wooded mountains and offers a spectacular view. From here, in fact, you can admire the reflections of the Ionian Sea.
Origin of the name
There are several hypotheses about the origin of the city's name. Some claim that it derives from the Albanian language "çifti" (couple), or even from "qifti" (eagle), given the origin of its inhabitants who came from Albania, the country of the eagles, as well as from the relief and morphology of the area where the settlement lies, hidden among the rocks like an "eagle's nest." But some believe it derives from the Latin "civitas" (city).
History
The inhabited center of Civita seems to have arisen around the year 1000, by the people of Cassano all'Ionio, fleeing from the raids of the Saracens of Sicily. Named "Castrum Sancti Salvatoris," in 1456 a violent earthquake devastated the town, forcing the inhabitants to abandon it; only the ruin of a chapel dedicated to the Holy Savior remained, which could still be seen in the first half of the nineteenth century. In 1463, Luca Sanseverino bought the fief of Bisignano from the king of Naples, becoming the first prince of Bisignano. The fief also included the territory where the village of Civita now stands.
In 1470, Luca Sanseverino died, and his son Girolamo succeeded him, playing a very important role in the settlement of Albanians in his lands, creating tax incentives for them. It is very difficult to pinpoint when the Albanians arrived in Civita; probably the first of them arrived between 1471 and 1479, but they were considered only "visitors to the village" and not permanent residents.
Culture and traditions
Civita, like all Arbëreshë communities in Italy, still maintains its traditions and culture alive today. Among the renowned traditions of the village is the Arbërisht, the Albanian language specific to the Arbëreshë communities, still spoken today by the entire population of Civita.
The Greco-Byzantine rite is one of the forms of Christian rite still celebrated today in many churches of the village. The clothes, liturgical objects, and icons follow the various ancient traditions, which have remained unchanged over the centuries.
The traditional costumes of Civita's women are characterized by an artisanal lace made with a very fine crochet, called "filet," and cross-stitch and embroidery decorations. Even men's costumes are unique and inspired by Albanian tradition.
What to do in Civita
Civita offers its visitors numerous activities, satisfying both nature lovers and art and culture enthusiasts. What makes Civita special is its geographical location. Being in the center of the Pollino National Park means being able to choose activities such as trekking, mountain biking, or simply enjoying a walk in nature.
Civita is also the gateway to the Gole del Raganello, a real canyon that winds through a limestone rock. You can walk through the canyon with a water excursion, admiring breathtaking landscapes.
Civita also offers numerous options for art and culture. Among all, the mandatory visit is the Arbëreshë Ethnographic Museum, which collects the tools, costumes, and artifacts used by the Albanians of Southern Italy between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
Conclusions
Civita, the village among the rocks, is a treasure of Calabria and Italy as a whole. Its unspoiled nature, its culture, and its ancient traditions make it unique in the world. Visitors from all over the world admire the beauty of this village, which has been recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Plan a visit to Civita and let yourself be conquered by its beauty and timeless charm.
