San Floro
Welcome to San Floro: the beauty of the Municipality of Catanzaro in Calabria
San Floro, a small hillside municipality in the province of Catanzaro in Calabria, is a charming place that offers a perfect combination of history, culture, traditions, and pristine natural beauty. With its 722 inhabitants, San Floro was one of the main centers of the province for the production of the renowned Catanzaro silk.
Physical geography: breathtaking landscapes
San Floro is located a few kilometers from the Gulf of Squillace and overlooks the valley of the Corace River. Its geographical position offers a spectacular view of the Catanzaro region, with the Sila Mountains in the background and the Ionian Sea to the east. San Floro is positioned 260 meters above sea level and offers an ideal terraced panoramic area for holidaying. Here, you can enjoy the cool breeze that alleviates the hot summer days.
History of San Floro
San Floro has an ancient history dating back to the Neolithic period. Some archaeological finds bear witness to the fact that it was a Magna Graecia colony of Scolacium. The colonizers intended to make the most of the area's wealth. Subsequently, San Floro became an ancient hamlet of Squillace and belonged to the Mangione and Strivieri families. After the Eversive Laws of feudalism, it became the possession of Duke Nicola Maria Caracciolo, who had a beautiful castle used as a summer residence.
Society in San Floro
San Floro has a small community of 722 inhabitants. The name of the town derives from its patron saint, San Floro. Every year, on August 18th, the Sanfloresi honor their patron saint with a solemn mass and the typical procession through the streets of the town. Among the traditions of the municipality, the processing of dried white figs stands out, an ancient practice that has made San Floro the "Land of Figs" since the early 1900s.
Infrastructure and transportation
The Municipality of San Floro is easily accessible thanks to the following main roads:
- (Medieval Village)
Economy: silk production
Even today, agriculture and the food industry represent an important economic resource for the Sanfloresi. However, the production and processing of silk are the most relevant economic activities of the municipality. From the beginnings of silkworm farming to the final product, San Floro continues to produce this wonderful textile art that has made Calabria famous in Italy and worldwide.
Conclusion
San Floro is a hidden gem in the province of Catanzaro, a perfect combination of natural beauty, culture, history, and traditions. The prodigious silk production and the decade-long tradition of cultivating white dried figs contribute to making San Floro a special place in the Calabria region. If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy breathtaking landscapes, there is nothing better than San Floro.
