San Vincenzo La Costa

Discovering the Municipality of San Vincenzo La Costa

Hello friends! Today I am going to talk to you about the Municipality of San Vincenzo La Costa, a small village in the province of Cosenza in Calabria, with a population of 2164 inhabitants. The Municipality is located at the foot of the Coastal Range, and consists of two hamlets, Gesuiti and San Sisto dei Valdesi, and the following districts: Cicala, Greco, Maglie, and Prioli.

Physical geography

The Municipality of San Vincenzo La Costa overlooks the Crati Valley, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains.

San Vincenzo La Costa: Discover the medieval village of Calabria.

History

The Municipality has medieval origins, also mentioned in a document dated 1113 preserved in the Vatican archives. In the territory of Piano Capone, a hoard of 107 bronze coins from ancient mints was found and is preserved in the National Museum of Reggio Calabria.

Society

The demographic evolution of the Municipality of San Vincenzo La Costa has been steady in recent decades.

Anthropological geography

Hamlets

Gesuiti

Gesuiti is a hamlet situated on the slope of Mount Luta at about 600 meters above sea level. The village has about 400 inhabitants, surrounded by valuable chestnut and olive groves. The history of Gesuiti begins during the second half of the sixteenth century when the Jesuits were sent to counter heresy during the persecution of the Waldensians. Today, it is possible to visit an ancient village called "Il Cortiglio," which housed a monastery called "Villa Expulsorum." Gesuiti is about a 40-minute drive from Camigliatello Silano, one of the most renowned mountain resorts in the Sila.

San Sisto dei Valdesi

San Sisto dei Valdesi is a village of 450 inhabitants situated on a hill surrounded by oaks and cultivated fields. Around 1200, it hosted a large community of Waldensian immigrants. In 1561, the soldiers of Marino Caracciolo, captain of the Viceroyalty of Naples, devastated the village, burning the houses, and killing the Waldensians of Calabria. Palazzo Vercillo is a noble building dating back to the sixteenth century.

Economy

The economy of the Municipality of San Vincenzo La Costa is based on agriculture, olive production and craftsmanship, woodworking, with excellent prospects for agritourism.

Administration

Conclusions

The Municipality of San Vincenzo La Costa is a wonderful place to live or visit. With its hamlets, churches, and artisan shops, it offers a unique experience in Calabria. Visit San Vincenzo La Costa and discover its beauty!

Paola Santoro
Wrote by Paola Santoro
Updated Tuesday, Jan 24, 2023