Guardavalle
Greeting and Introduction
Hello friends! Today I want to talk to you about the beautiful municipality of Guardavalle in Calabria, also known as Guardavaji in Calabrian dialect. With its 4,422 inhabitants, it spans an area of over 60 km² encompassing the provinces of Catanzaro, Vibo Valentia and Reggio Calabria. I will talk about its physical geography, origins, history, and places of interest that you simply cannot miss.
Physical Geography
Territory
The territory of Guardavalle is something incredible: it stretches from sea level, with a long beach with dunes and crystal clear waters, up to the 1,100 meters of Elce della Vecchia, where extensive forests of holm oaks, beeches, oaks, white firs and chestnuts can be found. The area is of great environmental and tourist interest, and it is possible to visit the village of Pietracupa and the waterfalls of the Assi stream, famous for their beauty.
Origins of the name
Guardavalle owes its name to its origins: probably founded in the 9th century by refugees who took refuge in the hills to protect themselves from Saracen raids, its name derives from the geographic position, that is, from guarding the valley.
History
Guardavalle has an ancient and very interesting history: it spent many centuries under various dominations, such as Norman, Hohenstaufen, Angevin, Aragonese, Spanish, French and Bourbon. It was officially founded as an autonomous municipality in 1799 by General Championnet.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Guardavalle is rich in monuments and places of interest that are worth visiting. Among the most important are Palazzo Falletti from the 19th century, Palazzo Spedalieri from the 17th-18th century, Palazzo Sirleto from the 16th-17th century, Palazzo Salerno from the 16th century, Palazzo Riitano, Palazzo Trua from the 18th century, Palazzo Criniti from 1492 and Palazzo Rispoli from the 19th century. There are also numerous towers such as the Cavallara Tower in the Vinciarello area from 1485, the Giordano Tower, the Nena Tower and the Menniti Tower. In addition, it is possible to admire the Triumphal Arch in Piazza del Carmine, the ruins of the Basilica of San Carlo Borromeo and numerous churches, such as the Parrocchiale Church of Acacio di Bisanzio Martire or del Rosario from the 18th century, the Maria SS.ma del Carmine Church from the 17th century, the Church of the Souls of the Purgatory or of Maria SS.ma delle Grazie from the 17th century, the Church of Sant'Antonio and the Monastery of Santa Maria. Don't miss the Galati Mill from 1867.
Society
Demographic Evolution
Guardavalle has a population of 4,422 inhabitants, constantly increasing.
Institutions, Organizations and Associations
Guardavalle is part of the Union of Municipalities of the Ionian Slope, together with Cardinale, Davoli, Guardavalle, Badolato, Santa Caterina dello Ionio, Sant'Andrea Apostolo dello Ionio, San Sostene and Isca sullo Ionio.
Culture
Events
Guardavalle is famous for its events, including the festival of the Translation of the Relics of the Patron Saint on January 16th, the Patronal Feast of Sant'Agazio Martire on May 7th, the festival of the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel on July 16th, the festival of Santa Maria degli Angeli on August 7th, the Feast of the Virgin Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary on the first Sunday of October, the festival of Catherine of Alexandria Virgin and Martyr of Alexandria on November 25th and the Feast of Maria SS. on August 15th.
Conclusion
Here you have it, friends, a brief description of Guardavalle, an enchanting municipality full of history. If you are looking for nature, art, culture and traditions, you simply cannot miss it. I hope that my description has made you want to visit it, and if you have already had the opportunity to do so, please share your experience with us!
