Amendolea
Amendolea: A Journey into the History of the Small Calabrian Town
If you are looking for a town with intriguing and fascinating history, then Amendolea is the perfect place for you. This small town is located in the region of Calabria, specifically in the Province of Reggio Calabria, and is a fraction of the municipality of Condofuri. If you are looking for a place to visit to breathe in the authentic air of Calabria, then Amendolea is the place for you.
Location and Appearance of the Town
Amendolea is a small town that was inhabited by only 13 families. It is situated about 5 kilometers from the sea and is crossed by the Amendolea river. The town is located on the left bank of the river and is presided over by the imposing majesty of the Ruffo Castle of Amendolea. Until 1811, Amendolea was an autonomous municipality, but now is part of the municipality of Condofuri.
History and Origins of Amendolea
The history of Amendolea has been the subject of numerous studies and researches that have brought out a fascinating and mysterious past. The town takes its name from the Amendolea family, whose feudal lords took possession of those lands in the eleventh century.
Although the origins of the town are still uncertain, many historians say that Amendolea is even older than the castle of Norman origin. It is believed that the Amendolea river is the ancient Alex river that would divide the territory of Reggio from that of Locri Epizefiri.
The town was of great importance in the medieval period, thanks to its strategic location, and was also the pagus of Condofuri from the twelfth century until 1806. Over the centuries, the town passed from the hands of local feudal lords to those of great noble families, including the Ruffos and the Balzos.
Although the town never enjoyed great economic prosperity, its importance made it a place of great interest.
The Ruffo Family and the Castle of Amendolea
The Ruffo Castle of Amendolea, located on the hill above the town, is one of the most important monuments in the area. The castle was built by the Normans in the twelfth century, but subsequently passed into the hands of the Ruffo family.
Initially, the Ruffo family entrusted the control of the fief to trusted men, since the population still spoke the grecanica language, now extinct elsewhere in Calabria.
The government of the fief was quite peaceful until the government of Federico Polistena, who was removed by the Ruffos due to disputes over revenues. After the government of Polistena, the population began to protest against the abuses of the castellans sent by the Ruffos.
Local Economy
Amendolea never enjoyed great economic prosperity. The inaccessibility of the places, the lack of roads, and the scarce resources relegated the local economy to pastoralism and agriculture. Nevertheless, the population has always been very attached to its land and has tried to preserve its traditions and its language.
A Town of Great Interest
Amendolea is a place of great interest for those who seek to discover the history of Calabria and its people. If you are a lover of these lands, this town is the perfect place to take a journey into history. Not only can you visit the Ruffo Castle of Amendolea, but also discover local traditions and the grecanica language, which have resisted to this day.
The next time you are in Calabria, don't miss Amendolea, the hidden jewel of the region. The historical and cultural beauty of the town will surprise and enchant you.
