Sant'Eufemia d'Aspromonte
Sant'Eufemia d'Aspromonte: a journey to discover the Calabrian municipality
If you are looking for a place for a romantic getaway, a destination to spend a relaxing vacation or a place for a cultural excursion, the city of Sant'Eufemia d'Aspromonte might be exactly what you are looking for. Located in the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria in Calabria, this city is a picturesque and welcoming municipality that will welcome you with open arms. In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover Sant'Eufemia d'Aspromonte, a city that represents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions, spectacular landscapes and the fascinating history of this ancient city.
Physical geography
The municipality of Sant'Eufemia d'Aspromonte is located in Calabria, a sun-kissed region in the heart of southern Italy. The area is characterized by mountainous and hilly landscapes, enchanting beaches and the splendid Tyrrhenian Sea. Sant'Eufemia d'Aspromonte, in particular, is located about 18 km from the sea and 105 km from Reggio Calabria Tito Minniti airport.
Origins of the name
The origins of the name Sant'Eufemia d'Aspromonte are not known with certainty, but there are some interesting theories. For example, scholars have hypothesized that the name derives from the presence of monks who came to Calabria as early as 368 and who would have given the city the name of Sant'Eufemia. Moreover, the presence of traces and Greek influences in the city's dialect would lead one to believe that the first inhabitants were Greek. The cult of the protector Euphemia of Chalcedon, virgin and martyr, a saint originally from Chalcedon, still has deep roots in the religious and cultural tradition of the city.
History
The city of Sant'Eufemia d'Aspromonte has a rich and fascinating history, which makes it an ideal destination for history and culture enthusiasts. According to historians, the center developed thanks to the presence of numerous monasteries of monks who came to Calabria as early as 368. In the following centuries, the arrival of numerous groups of Basilian monks favored the emergence of many monasteries: that of Sant’Oreste, Santa Eufemia, San Luca, San Bartolomeo of which ruins remain, and of which Fiore and Marafioti write. The most important of these monasteries was that of San Bartolomeo di Trigona founded by Bartolomeo di Simeri around the mid-11th century, as the saint- abbot died on August 19, 1130.
However, the history of Sant'Eufemia d'Aspromonte has been tumultuous. The city was dominated by the Byzantine, Norman and Swabian empires and suffered raids by the Saracens. In this regard, there is still today a cave located in the village of Meladoro called the "Cave of the Saracens". The riches of the monastery, which had an annual income of 1500 ducats, attracted the interest of the Ruffo of Sinopoli and the monastery fell under their dominion in the XVI century. The monastery was destroyed in the Southern Calabria earthquake of 1783 and the seven surviving monks moved to the SS Savior of Messina, also founded by St. Bartholomew. There remain perimeter walls, a portal with a capital and a ruin called "U Campanaru", and a fountain whose water, from the Cellia locality, arrived through a conduit made up of two overlapping tiles.
Conclusions
Sant'Eufemia d'Aspromonte is a unique city, a blend of nature, culture and traditions that make it a unique destination for those who want to experience something different. The nature, beaches, cuisine, history and culture of the city and surrounding areas will make your trip an unforgettable experience. Come and discover Sant'Eufemia d'Aspromonte, a city that will welcome you with open arms and will win you over with its beauty.
