Sant'Agata del Bianco
Welcome to Sant'Agata del Bianco
Hello everyone! Today I'll take you on a tour of the wonderful municipality of Sant'Agata del Bianco, located in the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria, in Calabria. The village has only 594 inhabitants but I guarantee you that it's worth a visit. Its hill at 405 m above sea level ensures excellent panoramic views and a peaceful and relaxing environment.
Physical geography
Sant'Agata del Bianco is located in the Eastern Aspromonte mountain community, and its geographic location guarantees a mild and pleasant climate. The surrounding mountain area is very interesting and offers many outdoor activities, including hikes, walks, and mountain bike excursions. If you're a nature lover and enjoy outdoor adventures, you can't miss this area of Calabria.
History
The history of Sant'Agata del Bianco is ancient and very interesting. According to legend, the village was founded after the earthquake of 1349, when the population of Palecastro, destroyed by the earthquake, moved to the place called "Giardino di Campolaco" and founded Sant'Agata in honor of the homonymous saint. However, the first news about Sant'Agata del Bianco date back to the fifteenth century, when a certain Andrea di Sant'Agata was attested, abbot of the monastery of San Nicola di Butramo in 1488. During the following centuries, several noble families were feudal lords of the village, including the Ruffo, Centelles, Marullo, and De Franco families.
Monuments and places of interest
Sant'Agata del Bianco is rich in monuments and places of interest. The Church of San Rocco, built in the sixteenth century, is a beautiful example of Italian Renaissance religious architecture. The church has undergone several modifications in the following centuries, including the construction of a new facade in the eighteenth century. Another important monument of the village is the Clock Tower. Built in the seventeenth century, the tower has undergone various restorations and is still an important landmark for the citizens of Sant'Agata del Bianco.
Local cuisine
Calabria is famous for its delicious cuisine and Sant'Agata del Bianco is no exception. The local cuisine offers many typical dishes to try such as 'nduja, a spicy salami, red onion from Tropea, and many other local specialties. If you visit Sant'Agata del Bianco during the Christmas period, you can taste the typical Calabrian Christmas sweets, including panettone and torrone.
Festivals and traditions
The village is very attached to its traditions and religious festivals. The feast of Sant'Agata, on the 5th of February, is one of the most important, in which the village comes alive with colors, songs, and dances. Every January 17th, instead, the feast of Sant'Antonio Abate, the protector of animals, is celebrated. During the feast, the animals are brought to the church to be blessed by the parish priest. The feast ends with a large community dinner.
Conclusions
Sant'Agata del Bianco is a small municipality that contains within it much history, culture, and beauty. If you're looking for a peaceful and suggestive place to spend a vacation, this is the perfect place for you. I suggest you visit the village during the numerous festivals and celebrations to fully immerse yourself in the local life and culture of the area. Come and discover Sant'Agata del Bianco and let yourself be conquered by its beauty!
