San Pietro di Caridà
Welcome to San Pietro di Caridà, a gem in the heart of Calabria
San Pietro di Caridà is a small Italian municipality located in the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria, situated amidst the hills of the Calabrian hinterland. With its 994 inhabitants, this village framed by forests and streams offers a unique peace and charm. In this text, we will take you on a journey to discover the history, geography, and curiosities of this splendid municipality.
Physical geography
The municipality of San Pietro di Caridà covers an area of about 48.08 km², with the main town situated at an altitude of about 325 meters above sea level. The territory is predominantly hilly, crossed by watercourses such as the rivers Fermano, Marepotamo, Metramo and the streams Maranina, Cicciarella, Fiumarolo, Melanda, and Torno. Interesting from a landscape point of view are the Fosso dei Morti and the Carýa valley, while the dam of Metramo is presented as an important point of reference.
The presence in the territory of the seismically active district called Le Serre, combined with the morphological irregularity, makes the area at high risk of seismic and hydrogeological activity, although the beauty of the landscape is not affected.
Origins of the name
The name of the municipality San Pietro di Caridà derives from the fusion of the names of the two previous municipalities, Caridà and San Pier Fedele, which took place in 1928. Caridà, the original name of the hamlet, derived from the Greek Caris (charis), which means a charitable place, rich in mysticism and veneration, while San Pietro, instead, is an agionimic term linked to the apostle Peter, to whom the church of San Pier Fedele is dedicated.
History
The village of Caridà, which stood in the current area called Largo dei Nobili, was born in the second half of the 9th century AD, during the Byzantine Empire's age. Later, during the feudal age, the municipality of San Pietro di Caridà was subject to various noble lordships, including Sanseverino, Lauria, and Ruffo di Montalto. From 1421, it passed to the possessions of the Marchesi d'Arena, to be dominated by the De Sylva princes of Eboli from 1593 to 1806, the year in which the feudal system was abolished.
Archaeological notes
In the San Pietro di Caridà area, artifacts dating back to Magna Grecia have been found, such as coins and ceramics, among which those referring to the city of Capua stand out. Furthermore, in the upper part of the village, in the hamlet of Garopoli, there are still remains of megalithic structures.
Places of interest
Among the places of interest in the area, it is possible to visit the church of San Pier Fedele, in neoclassical style, and the church of San Pietro, built around the 10th century AD and later renovated. Furthermore, the Metramo dam offers the opportunity to immerse oneself in a natural environment and admire the splendor of the surrounding mountains and streams.
Economy and traditions
In the economy of the municipality of San Pietro di Caridà, agriculture, with the production of olives, grapes, and fruits, and tourism play a particularly important role, thanks to the beauty of the landscape and hiking and trekking activities.
As for traditions, various festivities are held throughout the year, such as the celebration of the patron saint San Pier Fedele on June 1st, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 7th and 8th, and the Chestnut Festival in October.
Conclusions
San Pietro di Caridà is an enchanting municipality, where nature and history blend into a unique mixture that enchants visitors. The beauty of the territory, the traces of Magna Grecia, and local traditions make this village a small gem to discover. If you want to discover the authentic Calabria and immerse yourself in the peace and serenity of the hills, San Pietro di Caridà is the right destination for you.
