San Nicola da Crissa
San Nicola da Crissa: a small Calabrian town with a breathtaking view
Located in the province of Vibo Valentia, in Calabria, the municipality of San Nicola da Crissa has 1191 inhabitants and covers an area of 19.32 km². Thanks to its location on the slopes of Mount Cucco, the town offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia, the Strait of Messina, and Mount Etna. In this article, we will explore the physical geography of the municipality, its origins, history, points of interest, and cultural events held during the year.
Physical Geography
San Nicola da Crissa is located 21 km east of Vibo Valentia and is situated at 518 m on the slopes of Mount Cucco, on the Tyrrhenian side of the Calabrian Serre. The town is surrounded by rich vegetation, with olive trees, vineyards, and citrus trees. The territory is crossed by the Angitola river and extends from Mount Cucco to the sea. The closest beaches are those of Pizzo and Briatico.
Name Origins
The town is named after the patron saint, Saint Nicholas, who is revered with great devotion by the local community. The addition "da Crissa" is a reference to the legendary Greek city founded in the 7th century BC, which is discussed in the next section.
History
The history of San Nicola da Crissa is intertwined with that of Crissa, a city founded by the Greeks of Locri Epizephiri in the 7th century BC. According to legend, Crissa was founded by a group of Locrian refugees who fled their burning city. The new city was built on the top of Mount Cucco, where the remains of the ancient settlement can still be found today.
Over the centuries, Crissa was ruled by various powers, including the Romans, Byzantines, and Normans. In the Middle Ages, the town came under the control of the barons of Vallelonga and the Castiglione-Morelli family. In the 19th century, during the reign of Ferdinand II of Bourbon, San Nicola da Crissa became famous for its panoramic view, which the monarch dubbed "The Balcony of Calabria".
Symbols
The coat of arms of San Nicola da Crissa was granted by the President of the Republic in 2005. The coat of arms is blazoned with an image representing a cartouche with the name of the town and a Latin cross in the middle of the inscription. The town's banner is a yellow cloth with a red border.
Monuments and Points of Interest
The main point of interest in San Nicola da Crissa is Piazza Crissa, which offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area. From here, you can admire the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia, the Strait of Messina, the city of Reggio Calabria, Cosenza, and, in the distance, Mount Etna. The square, with its balcony, was defined as "the balcony of Calabria" by King Ferdinand II of Bourbon.
In the center of the town, there are also three interesting churches for visitors: the Church of Maria Santissima Annunziata, the Church of the Holy Rosary, and the Sanctuary of Mater Domini. The Church of Maria Santissima Annunziata is located in Piazza Crissa and is the parish church of the town. The Sanctuary of Mater Domini, located in the heart of the town, is the place where the main religious celebrations of San Nicola da Crissa take place.
Society
The municipality of San Nicola da Crissa has 1191 inhabitants and has had a constant demographic evolution in recent decades. The town is characterized by a united and welcoming community, which is mainly dedicated to agriculture and the production of high-quality fruits, vegetables, grains, and olives.
Culture
San Nicola da Crissa hosts several religious and cultural celebrations throughout the year. Some of the most important events are Candlemas (February 2), St. Joseph (March 19), the Feast of the Holy Cross (the first Sunday of May), the Feast of the Holy Rosary (the last Sunday of July), the Feast of the Holy Crucifix (the fourth Sunday of August), St. Rocco (the third Sunday of September), and the Feast of St. Nicholas of Myra (May 14th).
Economy
The economy of San Nicola da Crissa is mainly based on agriculture, with production of high-quality fruits, vegetables, grains, and olives. Thanks to the town's location on the slopes of Mount Cucco, the production of olive oil is particularly appreciated. Moreover, the town has a long tradition in the production of cheese, especially caciocavallo.
Infrastructure and Transport
The municipality of San Nicola da Crissa is crossed by the SS110 of Monte Cucco and Monte Pecoraro. If you arrive from Vibo Valentia, you will cross the SS606 of Vibo Valentia, the provincial road 4, and the provincial road 54. If you arrive from Serra San Bruno, you will travel on the SS713 Transversal of the Serre for 3 km and then take the SS110.
Administration
The municipality of San Nicola da Crissa is governed by Mayor Filippo Castrovillari, elected in 2019. The town is part of the Monte Poro Mountain Community.
Notes
In this article, we have discussed the main aspects of the municipality of San Nicola da Crissa, from its location on the slopes of Mount Cucco to the development of local agriculture and cultural and religious celebrations. San Nicola da Crissa is a welcoming small town that offers visitors a breathtaking view and a strong cultural identity.
