Feroleto Antico
Discover Feroleto Antico: the gem of Calabria
If you are looking for a destination for your next vacation in Italy, I suggest visiting Feroleto Antico, a small town located in the province of Catanzaro, in Calabria. With its 2020 inhabitants and an extension of 22 km², Feroleto Antico is a gem of the region, a pearl to be discovered slowly, perhaps in autumn when the climate is mild and the colors of nature are enchanting.
Physical geography: a hilly town just steps from the sea
Feroleto Antico is located 280 meters above sea level and its territory is predominantly hilly. The highest peak is Mount Mennazzo (749 m) and the Badia river runs through it for about 13 km. The village is located within a small wooded valley and from some of its hamlets, you can enjoy an excellent view of the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia. Moreover, the municipality is located in the narrowest point of Italy, in the Isthmus of Catanzaro, in the center of Calabria.
History: between ancient legends and devastating earthquakes
Feroleto Antico has ancient roots and the etymology of its name lends itself to two interpretations. According to the first one, the name derives from the Latin word "ferula", which means "cane", due to the presence of canes in the area. The second interpretation instead derives it from the word "Feroletum" which means "porter of death". There are no certain documents on the origins of Feroleto Antico, but it seems that the inhabited center arose around the 9th century thanks to the presence of populations of Ausonian or Enotrian origin who took refuge in this area to escape the Saracen raids. However, the history of the municipality has been marked by tragic events such as the various earthquakes that have struck it over the centuries, including the most serious one, the Calabria earthquake of March 27, 1638, which razed the village to the ground and was subsequently rebuilt.
Monuments and places of interest: an artistic and religious treasure
One of the most suggestive places in Feroleto Antico is the Sanctuary of Dipodi, a church that dominates the surrounding area from a small hill and which, according to an old Greek chronicle, was built by Emperor Constantine I and Pope Silvester I around 314. The sanctuary represents a very important pilgrimage destination for Calabrians and every year, on August 15th, thousands of faithful come here to celebrate the feast dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. But Feroleto Antico also offers other artistic and religious treasures such as the Church of the Annunciation, dating back to the 16th century and located in the heart of the village, or the Portal of St. Andrew, a precious example of Baroque architecture dating back to the 17th century.
In conclusion, Feroleto Antico is an unforgettable destination if you are looking for a peaceful and authentic place to spend your vacation. Its strategic position, its green hills, and its historical monuments will make you fall in love with Calabria, a land rich in history and tradition.
