Maida
Welcome to Maida: A town in the Calabrian hills
Hello everyone! Today I will talk to you about Maida, a small town of about 4,600 inhabitants located in the province of Catanzaro in Calabria. If you want to visit a charming place immersed in nature, this is the right place for you.
Discovering the Geography of Maida
Maida is located on a hill, which offers a breathtaking view of the Piana di Sant'Eufemia, between the Jayari river to the west and the Cottola river to the east. The municipal territory also includes the hamlet of Vena di Maida, inhabited by an Albanian ethnic and linguistic minority (Arbëreshë), located at 242 meters above sea level.
The History of Maida
The territory of Maida has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by numerous caves and archaeological finds. In the Middle Ages, the city was fortified by the Byzantines and then conquered by the Arabs in the 8th century. Subsequently, it passed under the control of the Normans, the Hohenstaufens, the Angevins, and Charles I of Anjou, who assigned the castle of Maida to Egidio di Santo Liceto. The city has undergone several uprisings of the population due to the feudal lord and his way of governing, but it was always rebuilt and expanded.
The Cultural Heritage of Maida
Maida possesses a very important cultural heritage, including the medieval castle, the church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the church of San Bernardino. The castle of Maida has been rebuilt several times, but the walls and the cylindrical tower can still be admired. The church of Santa Maria Assunta, built in the 13th century, has a Gothic architecture, while the church of San Bernardino, dating back to the 17th century, is the largest place of worship in the city and houses numerous works of art.
The Typical Cuisine of Maida
The food and cuisine of Maida are a real delight for the palate. Among the typical dishes are nduja, a spicy salami made from pork and chili peppers, 'mpignulata, almond and honey pastries, and licorice ice cream. In addition, Maida is famous for its extra virgin olive oil and prestigious wines such as Greco di Bianco and Cirò.
Events and Festivals
Every year, Maida hosts several events that attract visitors from all over Calabria. Among the most important is the feast of San Francesco di Paola, the patron saint of the city, celebrated on April 2. On this occasion, the traditional boat procession on the homonymous lake takes place, which ends with fireworks. Another important event is the festival of nduja and wine, held in summer, during which typical products and local wines can be tasted.
Outdoor Activities
Maida is the right place for nature lovers and outdoor activities. In fact, there are numerous trails for hiking or cycling, and for those who want to relax, there is a public swimming pool and a park equipped with children's games and small jogging paths.
Conclusions
And so, dear friends, I have presented Maida, a charming place rich in history and culture. If you are in Calabria, you cannot miss its beauty and delicious food. I hope I have intrigued you enough to make you want to visit it. See you soon!
