San Pietro in Guarano
San Pietro in Guarano: a hilltop town in Calabria
San Pietro in Guarano is a small Italian town with a population of 3386 located in the province of Cosenza in Calabria. The town is perched atop a hill in the center of the province, and its territory extends from the Crati Valley to Fago del Soldato in the heart of Sila. The town is home to the summit of Monte Scuro, one of the highest peaks of the Sila plateau, towering at 1633 meters above sea level. The mountain Santo Janni, which gives its name to the small locality of San Pietro in Guarano, is part of the municipality.
History of San Pietro in Guarano
San Pietro in Guarano has a rich history dating back to the Roman era, specifically to the 2nd century BC. Several finds in the locality of Vigne testify to human presence in the area already during that period. In the 19th century, during the French occupation, the inhabitants of the town rebelled against their abuses, including the plundering of houses; this event is remembered by the painting of Mary (mother of Jesus) kept in the church of Peter (apostle). In particular, on October 3, 1806, the brigand Giacomo Pisano attacked San Pietro in Guarano with 600 men alongside Lorenzo Martire and the royalist forces of Rovito led by Serafino Clemente. The French led by Deguisanges were put to flight and twenty-three of them were burned alive in the town square.
Symbols of San Pietro in Guarano
The coat of arms of the Municipality of San Pietro in Guarano was granted by the President of the Republic with a decree on October 2, 2006. The banner is instead a white cloth with a border of red.
Monuments and places of interest in San Pietro in Guarano
The main monument of San Pietro in Guarano is the mother church of Santa Maria in Gerusalemme. Built starting in 1891, the church overlooks the town making it easily recognizable from miles away. Considered a cathedral, the church was inaugurated and blessed on February 5, 1902 during the votive feast for the earthquake of 1783. The old church of Santa Maria in Gerusalemme, now known as San Pietro Apostolo, was no longer able to accommodate the mass of faithful, and so it was decided to build a new church.
The statue of Santa Maria with Baby Jesus placed inside the church is framed by the old blackened statue, belonging to the old church. This old statue was set on fire during the French occupation, but the Baby Jesus miraculously survived. The painting on the ceiling of the new building still shows numerous holes produced by bullets fired by the French.
San Pietro in Guarano: a town rich in history and traditions
San Pietro in Guarano is a town rich in history and traditions, from the cult of Madonna del Carmine to the celebrations for San Vittorio, the patron saint of the town. Every year, the festivities attract many visitors from all over the world; the occasion is important for discovering the typical culinary tradition of the place, which includes dishes such as zite al forno and lagane e ceci. In addition, there are many festivals throughout the year, celebrating typical products of the territory, such as homemade bread and olive oil.
San Pietro in Guarano is also an ideal place for nature lovers, thanks to the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and the vast diversity of flora and fauna, including chestnuts, oaks, and beeches. The wildlife includes various animals such as foxes, wolves, wild boars, and deer.
Furthermore, outdoor sports enthusiasts will find numerous activities to do, such as mountain excursions, fishing, hunting, and skiing on Monte Scuro.
Conclusions
San Pietro in Guarano is a town perched atop a hill in Calabria, with a rich historical and cultural heritage. The mother church of Santa Maria in Gerusalemme is the main monument of the town, but San Pietro in Guarano also has many other attractions, including festivals, religious celebrations, outdoor sports, and a vast diversity of flora and fauna.
