Conflenti
Discovering Conflenti: a small town in Calabria
Located on the slopes of Mount Reventino, the town of Conflenti (also known as "Cujjìanti" in Calabrian dialect) has a population of approximately 1357 and is located in the province of Catanzaro, in Calabria. The city is divided into two parts: Conflenti Superiore, located at about 550 meters above sea level, and Conflenti Inferiore, located at about 350 meters above sea level. Furthermore, one of the most important fractions of Conflenti is San Mazzeo, located at 903 meters above sea level, which extends to Lamezia Terme.
Territory
Conflenti is located at the confluence of two small rivers, from which its name probably derives. The municipal territory extends from the 350 meters of the Muraglie fraction to the pre-summit of Mount Reventino at an altitude of 1410. The mountain itself is a place of great scenic and naturalistic interest, including the sulphur water sources and numerous caves.
History
The origins of the municipality probably date back to the Roman era, while in the Middle Ages it was dominated by various noble families, including the Carafa. In 1700, Conflenti was hit by a violent earthquake and over the years suffered numerous devastations. In 1860, with the unification of Italy, Conflenti became part of the new municipality of Tiriolo, but only in 1948 did it become an autonomous municipality.
Monuments and places of interest
Conflenti is rich in monuments and places of interest. Among these stands out the Church of San Nicola, from the 18th century, located in Conflenti Superiore and dedicated to the patron saint of the town. Furthermore, the Church of the Madonna della Quercia, dating back to 1729, is highly revered by the population, because according to legend it protects citizens from seismic events. But the most important place in Conflenti is the Basilica "Maria SS. delle Grazie della Quercia di Visora", where the feast of Mary, the mother of Jesus, is celebrated every year. The church was recently erected as a minor Basilica.
Traditions and folklore
Conflenti is the city of religious festivals. Among the many, the main ones are those dedicated to Saint Andrew, the Madonna della Quercia and the Santissima Annunziata. The feast of the Madonna della Quercia is particularly felt and was established to celebrate the salvation of the town from the earthquake of 1783. Every year there is also the fair of the Madonna della Quercia, which attracts many visitors.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Conflenti is rich in local specialties. Among the desserts, we find buccunotti, mustazzuoli and panette. Among the main dishes, we cannot miss grispelle, a type of pasta fritters, and locally produced cold cuts. Finally, the oil and wine produced in the area are well known.
Economy
The main activity in Conflenti is agriculture, especially the cultivation of olives, grapes and cereals. Furthermore, there is also an activity related to the production of local cold cuts and cheeses.
Infrastructure and transport
The municipality of Conflenti is well connected with the rest of Calabria through a series of provincial roads. In addition, there are also some public transport services that connect the municipality with nearby cities.
Administration
The administration of Conflenti is entrusted to a mayor elected directly by the citizens. The municipality is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its own representative.
In conclusion, Conflenti is a small Calabrian town with many hidden treasures, including the Basilica dedicated to the Madonna della Quercia, the numerous religious festivals and the rich culinary tradition. If you wish to visit an authentic and less touristy Calabria, Conflenti could be the ideal destination.
