Monterosso Calabro
Monterosso Calabro: the story of an enchanting municipality
Monterosso Calabro, also known as 'Munturùssu' in Calabrian dialect, is a small municipality located in the province of Vibo Valentia, Calabria. With a population of around 1517 inhabitants, the municipality spans from an altitude of 39 meters up to 989 meters above sea level. Its privileged position makes it an integral part of the Mountain Community of Serre Calabre. In this article, we will explore the geography, history, and curiosities of this enchanting municipality.
Physical geography
Monterosso Calabro is located at the foothills of Mount Coppari, which reaches an altitude of 951 meters above sea level, situated in the region of Serre Calabre. The historical part of the town develops on top of a hill, while the modern residential area extends at its feet. The Angitola Lake, an artificial basin created by the dam of the homonymous river, falls within the municipality's territory. This area represents a protected oasis of the WWF, which hosts different species of trees, including white willow, Aleppo pine, and black alder, as well as numerous fauna species, such as the brown dipper, the osprey, ducks, and herons.
Origins of the name
The name of the municipality, Monterosso, is said to derive from the peculiar reddish reflection that the hill assumes during the hours leading up to sunset. In Latin, the hill was also referred to as "Mons Ruber."
History
We do not have certain information about the foundation of the village, but it seems that already during the Norman era (11th-12th century), there was a lookout tower, known as Rocca Capana. However, Monterosso Calabro was part of the feud of Castelmonardo and belonged to the Ruffo di Calabria Conti di Catanzaro. After two brief periods of autonomy from the feudal lordship during the 15th century, the feud, including Monterosso, passed to Antonio Trezze, a Milanese citizen who had bought the lands from De Nobili. After Antonio, the feud passed to his son Giovan Francesco and then to the latter's son, Antonio, who was the last Delle Trezze to hold Castelmonardo since he was deposed for rebellion. Subsequently, the barony was held by the baron of Briatico, Ferrante Bisbal, for a short period before definitively becoming owned by the Pignatelli di Vibo Valentia in 1534. They held it until the abolition of feudalism.
In 1544, the town was severely damaged by an earthquake, while in the 17th century, silk and linen processing spread, and a spinning mill was built, of which few remains still exist. The Baroque period was marked by a series of natural disasters, including earthquakes and the frost of 1620, accompanied by a terrible drought in the summer of 1625. The earthquake of 1783 completely destroyed the houses of Monetrosso, the church of the Addolorata, and various convents, but the Carmelite nuns managed to take refuge in the intact cloister. The town was rebuilt thanks to the commitment of Duke Pignatelli and contributions from the Cassa Sacra, an extraordinary body established by the Bourbons after the earthquake with the aim of requisitioning the assets of the Church throughout Calabria Ulterior and selling them to private individuals.
In summary, the origins of Monterosso Calabro are still shrouded in mystery, but its history is characterized by a series of historical events that have shaped the identity and culture of the municipality.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Monterosso Calabro is an enchanting municipality that offers a panoramic view of the Serre Calabre region. The municipality has a rich and interesting history, characterized by cataclysmic events but also by the intense work of its inhabitants. The presence of the Angitola Lake, a protected area by WWF, adds a touch of charm to this municipality, also called "Mons Rosso." A visit to Monterosso Calabro is an experience worth living, as it gives us a unique opportunity to explore a place of great historical and scenic interest.
