San Pietro a Maida
San Pietro a Maida: an ancient town in Calabria
San Pietro a Maida is a town in the province of Catanzaro, in Calabria, with a population of 4024 inhabitants. The town, known as 'Sammpiatru a Mmàida' in Calabrian dialect, is located on a plateau at 355 m above sea level and is surrounded by Mount Contessa.
Territory
The soil in the territory of San Pietro a Maida is perfect for agriculture, particularly for the cultivation of Olea europaea, thanks to the presence of approximately 800 hectares of olive groves. The town enjoys a mild climate, which depends on the geographical location and the influences of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
History
According to historical origins, the historic center would have developed from a drainage village in the 15th century, called "Petrum". However, there is older evidence suggesting that San Pietro was founded at the same time as the nearby Curinga in the 9th-10th century. Furthermore, the lower part of the territory was an important station of the archaic Lower Paleolithic for a long time. Currently, the village, urbanistically compact, extends around the ancient rural road network of the Slopes of Corda.
Monuments and places of interest
The historic center of San Pietro a Maida is very interesting, containing important artistic-religious testimonies such as the mother church of San Nicola di Bari (16th century), the church of Santa Maria and the church of San Giovanni (15th century). Furthermore, the refractory terracotta bas-reliefs of the sculptors Francesco and Fortunato Violi, which tell the history and origin of the town, are of notable workmanship. The huge bas-reliefs, which adorn the streets of the village, are set in a brick frame in terracotta.
Society
The municipality of San Pietro a Maida has undergone a demographic evolution in recent years, but the population remains fairly stable.
Infrastructure and transport
The town is well connected to road routes thanks to the presence of the Provincial Road 90 and the Provincial Road 113.
Culture
San Pietro a Maida has been chosen as the venue for the special "Ulivo" since 1985. This biennial event is a series of cultural and promotional initiatives related to olive growing. There are many seminars, moments of study and chorale reflections on the topic.
Anthropical geography
The municipality does not have any internal fraction, but there is the small agglomeration of San Pietro Scalo, also known as the 'Prato' locality. It is located near the railway station at the border with the fraction of San Pietro Lametino of the municipality of Lamezia Terme.
In conclusion, San Pietro a Maida, with its historic center, agriculture, and culture, enchants anyone who visits it. The Calabrian town is a lovely place where the inhabitants are proud of their history and traditions.
