Placanica
Welcome to Placanica!
Hello everyone! Today I want to tell you about a small Calabrian village that I had the opportunity to visit, Placanica. With only a thousand inhabitants, it is a quiet and characteristic village located between the Precariti river and the Càstore or Fiorello stream. But do not underestimate it! Its ancient history and its location near the Ionian Sea make it a place of great interest.
A bit of history
The village dates back to the twelfth century and over the years it has had different names, such as Motta Placanica, Paganica or Παγκανική in ancient Greek language. It has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by excavations that have revealed the remains of a settlement dating back to the middle Bronze Age. In addition, artifacts from the Greek period have been found in the area where the castle stands.
Tradition places the origin of Placanica in the Byzantine period, when Greek monks, fleeing the iconoclastic struggles and the Muslims who ravaged the East, founded numerous monasteries in the surrounding territories. Over the centuries, Placanica has been ruled by several noble families, including the Arcadi, Licandro, Musitano, and Passerelli families.
The Placanica fiefdom
In 1310, the fiefdom of Placanica belonged to Enrico Ruffo, son of Guglielmo. Most likely during this period the defensive walls around the village were built. In 1335, Placanica was still a fiefdom of the Ruffo family, but later it passed to the Caracciolo Rosso family. In the sixteenth century, the feudal ownership was consolidated thanks to the marriage between Enrichetta de Ascaris and Berardi Caracciolo.
Placanica today
Today, Placanica is a quiet village, nestled amongst the hills and near the sea. Its location makes it a privileged place to enjoy the beaches of the Ionian Sea. The historic center is of great interest, with its narrow streets and stone houses.
Among the tourist attractions are the Chiesetta della Madonna del Pilar, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, and the Castle. The Castle, dating back to the Norman period, has a spectacular view of the valley and the Precariti river.
The main economic activities are agriculture and livestock farming. The land is fertile and citrus fruits, olives, figs, and grapes are grown here. Placanica's cuisine is based on typical local products, such as nduja, spicy sausage, and the famous Gaglioppo wine.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Placanica is a village worth visiting if you are in Calabria. Its ancient history, characteristic historic center, and natural beauty make this place unique. If you love the sea, good food, and tranquility, Placanica is the right place for you!
