Ferruzzano
Ferruzzano, between history and culture
Ferruzzano is a small town located in Calabria, in the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria, with a population of about 779 inhabitants. In this text, with a friendly tone, several aspects regarding Ferruzzano will be discussed, such as its history, symbols, demographic evolution and culture.
Origins of the name
The origin of the name "Ferruzzano" is uncertain, but there are two main hypotheses. The first suggests that it comes from a land called "Ferrucianus" or from a surname "Ferocianus", while the second claims it derives from the dialectal name of Bruzzano Zeffirio, "Vruzzano". This thesis explains the origin of the current name.
History
Ferruzzano has a long history that dates back to ancient times. Its coat of arms was granted in 2006 and the standard is yellow with a blue border. The town has given rise to numerous famous people and has undergone numerous earthquakes and wars that have left a mark on the territory.
Symbols
In 2006, the coat of arms of Ferruzzano was granted by a presidential decree. The coat of arms depicts the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on top of the dome of the Mother Church, holding an olive branch and a vase of flowers in her right hand, and a Greek heraldic figure and a rooster in her left hand.
Society
Demographic evolution
Ferruzzano has undergone some demographic changes over the years. In 1861, the population was over 2000 inhabitants, while today it stands at around 780. This is mainly due to emigration and economic difficulties.
Culture
The Palmenti of Ferruzzano
One of the most representative symbols of Ferruzzano are the Palmenti, which are ancient vats carved into the rock for the pressing of grapes and the production of must. These were used on an industrial scale from the Hellenistic civilization to the Roman culture, while today they have been found only in some areas. Ferruzzano is the town with the highest number of Palmenti in the world, with over 160 specimens. This demonstrates the strong viticultural vocation of the area, also evidenced by the discovery of some millennial specimens with Greek or Armenian inscriptions.
Ferruzzano in cinema
Ferruzzano was the setting for the film "Agarthi - A story not to be told" in 2015. The film, which tells the tragedy of the earthquake in 1907 that struck Ferruzzano, was a success both nationally and internationally. In 2016 "Rica - The last great story" was filmed, focused on social issues and with music by the Beatles. Subsequently, the Municipal Administration dedicated the nascent amphitheater of the town to John Lennon, the only structure dedicated to the artist in Calabria. In 2017, "Sanremo: pallido fiore" was filmed in the ancient village of Ferruzzano, presented at the Teatro Ariston in Sanremo with great success. During the presentation to the President of the Italian Republic, the authors delivered a copy of the work.
In conclusion, Ferruzzano is a small Calabrian town that, despite the difficulties, preserves a strong cultural and historical identity. The presence of the Palmenti testifies to the passion for viticulture, while the presence in cinema demonstrates the beauty of the territory, which still fascinates anyone who visits it.
