Decollatura
Welcome to Decollatura: A small gem in the province of Catanzaro!
Here's everything you need to know about the beautiful town of Decollatura, located in the province of Catanzaro in Calabria. With a population of just over 2900 residents, Decollatura is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered. Let's explore some of its features together!
Physical geography
Territory
The town of Decollatura is located in a wide valley surrounded by hills, at the foothills of the eastern slope of Reventino, at an altitude ranging from 663 to 1366 meters. The territory is composed of numerous inhabited centers, including San Bernardo, Casenove, Cerrisi, and Adami.
The Amato River, also known as ''Lametus'', one of the most important rivers in Calabria that flows into the Tyrrhenian Sea, originates from the territory of Decollatura. The surface of the town of Decollatura is 50.35 square kilometers.
Climate
The climate of Decollatura is classified as zone E, 2370 GR/G.
Origins of the name
Although it was long believed that the name Decollatura derived from an episode of beheading during a battle between Pyrrhus and Mamertini, this hypothesis has not found any historical or archaeological evidence. In 2017, Giuseppe Musolino hypothesized that the name derived from the position of Decollatura as a territory controlling the pass between the Lametina Plain and the hinterland. In the past, the right of passage was known as "corretura," and through successive modifications, it would have led to Decollatura, therefore meant as "the place where the corretura is paid."
History
Archaeological evidence indicates that the territory of Decollatura was inhabited as early as the prehistoric and protohistoric periods. The numerous fragments of pottery found in Sorbello and the stone tools of Santa Filomena testify to an intense use of the territory during the protohistoric period. In the nineteenth century, numerous artifacts dating back to the Neolithic period were discovered, including polished axes of different shapes and materials, preserved at the Museum of Anthropology in Naples.
Evidence of Roman and Late Antique use has been found in the "Muraglia" area, where recent archaeological research (2013-2014) has allowed the identification of remains of burials and a villa settlement. Following these findings, it was possible to attribute a different meaning to the discovery of the remains of a tomb, dating back to the Roman period, in the "Muraglia" area in 1982.
Culture and traditions
Decollatura is famous for the "Festa della Montagna," a big festival celebrated at the end of August. During the festival, the revelers retrace, through traditional dances and songs, the significant stages of Calabrian emigration to other Italian and European countries and cities.
Among other traditions, there is the craftsmanship of wood, with the production of handmade artifacts, such as sculptures and furniture. Decollatura is also known for its delicious olive oil, obtained from the olives of the surrounding hills.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Decollatura is a small town worth discovering for its natural beauty, history, and traditions. Don't miss the Festa della Montagna, the craftsmanship of wood, and the excellent olive oil. If you're looking for an authentic place off the beaten track, Decollatura is the place for you!
