Vecchio Abitato
The Old Village of Nardodipace: history and features
Hello friends! Today I want to tell you about a really special place in my beloved Calabria: the Old Village of Nardodipace. This hamlet is located in the province of Vibo Valentia and is only 2.95 km away from the main town. But don't be fooled by its small size, because there is a fascinating history to discover here.
The Old Village was the original center of Nardodipace, the municipality to which it belongs. Unfortunately, in the 1950s, the area was hit by a violent flood that forced the inhabitants to move to a new area. This happened in many other towns in the area, but unlike those that had municipal territory with a sea outlet (which built new settlements along the coast), Nardodipace was rebuilt further upstream, on the Ciano plateau, where the current town center stands.
But the Old Village has not been completely abandoned: there is still a beautiful church here as a testament to its history. Do you want to know more? Then keep reading!
The church of the Old Village
As I said before, the church is the only remaining testament of the Old Village. It is a very ancient place of worship, dating back to the 18th century, and is dedicated to the Assumption. Its facade is simple but elegant, with a large arched portal and a bell tower with a sail. Inside, however, there are several valuable works of art, such as the Baroque high altar and the painted wooden statues.
The church is not always open to the public, but it is possible to visit it on request. In addition, every year on August 15th (the day of the Assumption of Mary) a solemn mass is celebrated here, attended by the entire community of Nardodipace.
How to reach the Old Village
The Old Village is just a few kilometers away from Nardodipace, and the road to get there is very scenic. The best way to reach it is by car: you can park near the church and then take a walk in the small historic center. If you like walking, however, you can opt for a walking itinerary that starts from the main town and arrives at the Old Village, along a panoramic road that crosses the fields and surrounding hills.
Conclusions
Here you have it, dear friends, the Old Village of Nardodipace, a place that tells the history and tradition of my beautiful region. I recommend you to visit it if you have the opportunity, to discover an authentic and suggestive corner of Calabria. And if you are passionate about art and history, you cannot miss the visit to the church, a true gem of architecture and sacred art. Until next adventure!
