Motta Santa Lucia

Welcome to Motta Santa Lucia

Hello everyone! Are you ready for a brief but interesting visit to the town of Motta Santa Lucia? This town, located in the province of Catanzaro in Calabria, has around 808 inhabitants and is a charming place with a colorful history. Today, I will tell you something about the physical geography and history of this unique area.

Physical Geography

We are in a hilly area, where Motta Santa Lucia is located at the top of a hill at 590 meters above sea level, in the lower valley of the Savuto River and at the foothills of the Sila Piccola, on the border with the province of Cosenza. The municipal territory has an altimetric profile that ranges from 169 to 1351 meters above sea level. In other words, here you will find a lot of nature, green hills and breathtaking views.

Discover Motta Santa Lucia: history and nature in Calabria.

History

The history of Motta Santa Lucia has deep roots and is intertwined with that of other towns in the region. According to some theories, Motta Santa Lucia was founded by the Roman colony of Porchia in 556 BC, and the city was once called by this name. The city has undergone a series of earthquakes, floods and has also had to deal with the ravages of the Saracens. In 950-951 AD, the Saracens, established in Amantea, completely razed the city of Porchia, forced to abandon its position and take refuge in the surrounding woods where they founded a series of villages under the name of Motta di Porchia.

According to toponymy scholars, the word "Motta" indicates the steep part of the land. The name suited the town well, which later became Motta San Salvatore. The city followed the fortunes of the County of Martirano, which remained long under the rule of the Sanseverino family, thanks to its strategic position in the Savuto Valley. Numerous castles were built there, including that of Motta di Porchia.

Conclusions

Motta Santa Lucia, despite being a small town, is rich in history and characterized by a unique natural beauty. Did you know that the municipal territory is included within the Sila National Park? How beautiful! So, if you are looking for a tourist destination that mixes history and nature, Motta Santa Lucia is the right place for you. Come and visit us!

Laura De Luca
Wrote by Laura De Luca
Updated Saturday, Dec 10, 2022