Roccaforte del Greco
A trip to Roccaforte del Greco
Hi everyone! Today I want to tell you about a cute and little-known municipality in Calabria: Roccaforte del Greco, or as it's called in the Greek-Calabrian dialect, "Vunì". Located on the Aspromonte mountain range, this small village of only 369 inhabitants will win you over with its natural beauty and millennia-old history.
Physical geography
Roccaforte del Greco is located at 971 meters above sea level on the southern slope of Aspromonte and belongs to the Bovesia area. Its only fraction is Ghorio di Roccaforte, a small village that absolutely deserves a visit.
Origin of the name
The name of the village comes from the Greek "rocca forte" which means fortress on the rock. The village has been inhabited since ancient times, by Italiots, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, and Saracens, leaving indelible traces of their presence.
History
The history of Roccaforte del Greco dates back to ancient times, when the village was inhabited by the Italiots. Later, with the arrival of the Greeks, the city became an important Greek center and, subsequently, under Roman rule, was an important commercial crossroads. Over the centuries, Roccaforte del Greco was plundered several times by the Saracens and Normans and was the scene of stories of bandits and rebellions against the Bourbons.
Monuments and places of interest
Despite its small size, Roccaforte del Greco offers numerous attractions and monuments of historical and cultural interest. The Castle or Monastery of San Salvatore is one of the most important places of interest in the city, dating back to the 9th century. Other important monuments are the Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Stella and the Church of San Nicolò.
Society
Demographic evolution
The village has undergone a strong depopulation since the 1960s, when job opportunities in the city led many young people to leave the village. This phenomenon has reduced the population to only 369 inhabitants.
Culture
Roccaforte del Greco is a village rich in culture and traditions. Every year in August, the most important event in the village is held: the Feast of San Lorenzo, during which the patron saint is celebrated with processions, music, dances, and typical food.
Economy
The economy of Roccaforte del Greco is mainly based on agriculture and livestock farming. The most common crops are olives, figs, and almonds.
Infrastructure and transport
The municipality is crossed by the provincial road 23, which leads to the state road 183 Aspromonte-Jonio. There are no other options for public transport, so the car is the recommended means of reaching and discovering Roccaforte del Greco and its surroundings.
Administration
The Municipality of Roccaforte del Greco is part of the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria and is administered by Mayor Giovanni Spanò.
Education
The village hosts the "Corrado Alvaro" Comprehensive Institute with administrative headquarters in Melito di Porto Salvo.
Notes
If you find yourself in Calabria and want to discover an authentic and non-touristy village, Roccaforte del Greco will win you over with its natural beauty and millennia-old history.
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Visit Roccaforte del Greco and share your experience with us! We're waiting for you.
