Lia
Discovering the Municipality of Polia
Polia is a municipality in the province of Vibo Valentia in Calabria, small but rich in natural surprises. In this section, we discover its physical geography.
The Townships
The territory of Polia is divided into four townships: Cellia, the seat of the town hall, Poliolo, Trecroci, and Menniti. Additionally, there are also the hamlets of Faldella, Lia, and Piano Bosco. Polia was once the site of a oligomineral water establishment called Certosa.
Flora and Fauna
The territory of Polia is characterized by a rich and extraordinary flora and fauna. The Mediterranean scrub is mainly composed of grapevines, olive trees, laurels, prickly pears, and some myrtle scrub formations. In spring, the area is dressed in pink thanks to the flowering of the Italian gladiolus.
In the mountain phyto-climatic band, the forest vegetation is characterized by the widespread presence of chestnut trees, oaks, sorb trees, elm trees, pines, beech trees, and firs. In the undergrowth and open spaces, it is easy to come across the eagle fern, broom, wild strawberry, holly, and many other beautiful plant species.
The territory features numerous watercourses of different flows and sizes, all capable of arousing the interest of naturalists and hikers. The "Milo" river is important for the discovery of the presence of the woodwardia radicans, a giant bulbiferous fern that represents evidence of the ancient tropical-mountain flora that characterized the Mediterranean mountainous areas 70 million years ago.
Places of Interest
The territory of Polia is characterized by the presence of places full of natural and landscape beauties. Among these are the Faraglioni, present in Polia as well as in Capri, and the Bosco Montagna with all its variety. Among the most important watercourses are the "Canace," "Vicenza," "Santoro," "Reschia," and "Milo" rivers, as well as others of secondary importance.
The History of Polia
Origin of the Name
The name "Polia" has uncertain origins. According to some, it would derive from the Greek "polis," meaning "city," but there is no historical evidence that the territory of Polia has ever been a true city.
Some scholars suggest instead that the name may derive from the word "pulìa," Calabrian dialect for "cleanliness," referring to the purity of its waters and the beauty of its territory.
The History of the Municipality
Unfortunately, there is not extensive documentation on the history of Polia. However, there are some elements that allow us to reconstruct some fundamental stages of its past.
According to some sources, the territory of Polia was inhabited since prehistoric times. In Roman times, the area was probably crossed by the Popilia road, the ancient Roman road that connected the city of Capua with Calabria.
Some archaeological remains, such as a watchtower on Mount Menniti, testify to the Byzantine presence in the area. During the Kingdom of Naples, Polia was under the control of the Carafa family.
Cultural Heritage
Although there is little historical material about the municipality, Polia has a small cultural heritage. One of these is the votive chapels, small religious buildings scattered throughout the territory and often erected in memory of miraculous events that occurred on-site.
Itineraries and Excursions
Brigands' Trail
One of the recommended itineraries is the Brigands' Trail, a path that crosses the Mediterranean scrub and recalls the exploits of the brigands of the 19th century. The route starts from the ancient village of Polia and passes through the "Milo" river.
Mount Menniti
Mount Menniti is one of the most sought-after destinations for hikers, reachable from Polia via the township of Menniti. From the summit, breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian side of Calabria and the Aeolian Islands Archipelago can be admired.
Conclusion
Polia is a small Calabrian municipality, but its natural beauties and cultural heritage certainly make it a place to visit. The flora and fauna, with the rare giant bulbiferous fern woodwardia radicans, testify to the ancient tropical-mountain flora millions of years ago. The itineraries and excursions offer the opportunity to admire breathtaking views and experience the history of the municipality up close.
