San Pietro Apostolo

Welcome to San Pietro Apostolo!

Hello everyone! Today I'll talk to you about San Pietro Apostolo, an Italian town located in the province of Catanzaro in the beautiful Calabria region! With its 1611 inhabitants, this small town is surrounded by soft green hills and rugged mountains that reach an altitude of 1039 m above sea level. San Pietro Apostolo has a typically Apennine climate with cool summers at the highest altitudes.

The history of San Pietro Apostolo

The town of San Pietro Apostolo was founded by farmers who fled from Motta Santa Lucia after the earthquake of 1638. They sought asylum from Prince Carlo Cigala di Tiriolo, who allowed them to settle in the area now known as "Colla Pagliara". The village was named after a small statue of the apostle Saint Peter erected in the area. The town was then administered by the fief of Tiriolo until the end of the 18th century, when it gained autonomy under law n°14 of January 19, 1807, adopting the name "San Pietro a Tiriolo". Later, the town was called "San Pietro Apostolo" and became an autonomous municipality. It was a symbolic city during the Italian Risorgimento because Giuseppe Garibaldi, leader of the Expedition of the Thousand from Maida, was a welcomed guest of his supporter Anselmo Tomaini at a structure called "Palazzo Tomaini", during the night between August 28 and 29, 1860.

St. Peter the Apostle: amidst history, nature, and tradition.

Hidden treasures

If you decide to visit San Pietro Apostolo, you can't miss the famous Palazzo Tomaini, where Giuseppe Garibaldi was hosted in 1860. It's an unforgettable experience that will take you back in time. Furthermore, San Pietro Apostolo was an important production center of broom in the 17th century. You can still see the remains of the water mills that were used to work the fibers of this particular plant.

What to see in San Pietro Apostolo

San Pietro Apostolo is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by mountains and hills that offer breathtaking trails. Additionally, if you're interested in religious life, don't miss the Church of San Pietro. This church dates back to the 17th century and is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. On Sundays, you can attend mass and breathe the religious atmosphere that surrounds the town.

What to eat in San Pietro Apostolo

The local cuisine of San Pietro Apostolo is based on simple and genuine ingredients. The city's flagship dish is homemade pasta, which I recommend you try at one of the many trattorias in town. Additionally, don't forget to taste the Pecorino cheese, typical of the area. And lastly, don't miss the opportunity to taste the famous red Calabrian wine, perfect to accompany local dishes.

Conclusion

San Pietro Apostolo is a small town but full of hidden treasures and natural beauty. Its history and scenic beauty will leave you breathless and it's an ideal place for those seeking an escape from the city and want to relax in nature. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

Laura De Luca
Wrote by Laura De Luca
Updated Monday, Jun 20, 2022