Pazzano
La Ferdinandea: A Natural Area Immersed in the Greenery of the Serre Calabresi
La Ferdinandea is a natural area of 3600 hectares located at the foothills of the Serra di Chindilli in the municipalities of Stilo (Italy), Bivongi, Brognaturo, Mongiana, and Serra San Bruno in the provinces of Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia. It is characterized by an immense expanse of beech and Abies forests, with an altitude ranging from 501 to 1415 meters above sea level. The "Reale Fonderia Ferdinandea," built in the 18th century, is located in Stilo at an altitude of 1061 m.
Geological and Geographical Characteristics
The area's geology features biotic acidic rocks such as quartz, mouronite, and granite, with low permeability. Three streams flow through the area: Folea, L'Azzarola, and Stilaro. The area features the typical climate of the warm Apennine fagetum, with annual rainfall of 2000mm and a drought period from July until mid-September. Humidity stays above 50% all year round. The flora is composed mainly of Abies alba, beech, and Pinus resinosa, but also includes chestnut, oak, and poplar.
The History of Ferdinandea
In 1833, Ferdinando II of Bourbon visited the area to inaugurate the new ironworks built on the ruins of the "Ferriere del Piano della Chiesa." The area was named in his honor and was used for the production of cast iron, supporting the other ironworks of Mongiana, accessible via a tratturo. The Italian government sold the steel mills and surrounding woods to the former Garibaldin and later parliamentarian of the new kingdom, Achille Fazzari, in 1874. He tried to reactivate the steel center closed at the beginning of the Kingdom of Italy for political reasons, but eventually abandoned the Mongiana assets due to lack of government support and converted everything into an agricultural-pastoral company.
However, he devoted himself to the Ferdinandea area, where there was mineral water production, a small hydroelectric power plant, and sawmills. At the end of the 19th century, two railway sections were built at Fazzari's behest, one of which was 20km long and started from the Cerasella locality, passing through Ferdinandea, and arriving at the Caulonia fraction in Ziia. For 40 years, Ferdinandea became an important Calabrian economic center.
The Ferdinandea Today
Currently, the area is a tourist destination for those interested in visiting the Bourbon villa and the ferriera, as well as hiking on trails marked by the Italian Alpine Club. It is an ideal area for nature lovers who want to explore the beauty of Calabria.
