Platì
Platì: a small Italian town
Platì is a beautiful Italian municipality located northeast of Reggio Calabria in the Calabria region with a population of 3,704 inhabitants. The town is situated on a hill with an average altitude of 300 meters above sea level and overlooks the splendid Aspromonte valley, included in the Aspromonte National Park. The city is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and nature, with beautiful excursions that allow you to admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape. In this text, we discover the history and origins of Platì.
Physical geography
Platì is a mountain town immersed in the lush vegetation of Aspromonte. The Platì River flows under the city, forming a very suggestive valley. The city is surrounded by hills and mountains and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal place for nature lovers, tranquility, and the beauty of the landscape.
Origin of the name
Platì, called Prati until the middle of the sixteenth century, takes its name from the Calabrian Greek "plàtai," which means "poplar trees."
History
Origins
Platì has ancient roots. In fact, a document from the State Archives of Locri attests to the existence of the town already in the mid-sixteenth century. The city was founded under the lordship of the Spinelli family, Neapolitan nobles, and Prince of Cariati, who ruled until the end of feudalism, between 1806 and 1808. The city was characterized by its mountainous geographical position, immersed in a majestic valley in the center of eastern Aspromonte.
Nineteenth century
In 1809, the French established Platì as an autonomous municipality, also including the territory of Cirella, which until 1895 was a fraction of Benestare. Until 1860, Platì was part of the District of Gerace. In September 1861, in the Platì area, a violent clash occurred between the band of brigands led by Ferdinando Mittiga with the legitimists of the Catalan general José Borjes and the Piedmontese. The victory went to the Piedmontese, who killed the fearsome brigand near Natile after a long chase.
Twentieth century
Platì was hit by numerous natural disasters during the twentieth century. In 1908, the city was devastated by the great earthquake that struck Calabria and Sicily. On October 18, 1951, Platì suffered a violent flood that caused the death of 18 inhabitants and the destruction of much of the town. Following the flood, Prime Minister Alcide De Gasperi promised support for hydro-geological instability. The flood led to an increase in emigration of thousands of Platì citizens to other countries in search of a better life.
In the 1970s and 1980s, many noble and bourgeois families in the town were forced to abandon the city center, leaving it in the hands of the families of the 'Ndrangheta.
Conclusions
Platì is an Italian town that offers a series of unique natural attractions, including a magnificent valley, a panoramic view of Aspromonte, and a long history that dates back from the sixteenth century to the present day. The city has undergone numerous natural disasters over the centuries and has faced a series of social and economic challenges that have influenced its growth. However, thanks to its natural beauty and unique history, Platì remains a fascinating city worthy of a visit.
