Santa Domenica Talao
Santa Domenica Talao: the hilltop town rich in history and traditions
Hello everyone! Today I am going to talk about Santa Domenica Talao, a beautiful Italian commune located in the province of Cosenza, in Calabria. Its name derives from the Lao river, called "Thalaos" in ancient Greek. The town is situated on a hill 304 meters above sea level and its territory is divided into an upper area called Codda and a lower area, the Piano, where the most modern part of the town is located.
History and Symbols of Santa Domenica Talao
The commune was founded in the first half of the 17th century by Ettore Maria Spinelli, prince of Scalea, and became autonomous in 1662, although it continued to depend on the Spinelli feudal lordship. The communal coat of arms represents a modern French shield in silver with a blue border, a vine branch with a ripe grape cluster and a small olive tree.
Monuments and Places of Interest in Santa Domenica Talao
If you come to visit the town, you cannot fail to admire the beautiful mother church dedicated to St. Joseph, the patron saint of the town. In the historic center, you can enjoy the view of various noble palaces with stone portals, dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, the most famous of which is the Campagna palace. From the recently renovated town square, you can admire a splendid panorama of the Aeolian Islands and Mount Etna. Do not miss the Museum of the Earth, where some fossils found in the communal territory and traditional typical costumes of the area are preserved. Another important construction is the Aqueduct Tower, dating back to the early 20th century, with its beautiful crenellations.
Typical Products and Festivities of Santa Domenica Talao
The territory of Santa Domenica Talao is rich in springs, among which the most famous are Acqua della Quercia and Ragazzo. Here you can find many typical products of Calabrian tradition, such as the famous Santadomenican soup and the "scorzone" truffle. In the town, numerous festivals are celebrated every year, including Carnival, the patronal feast of St. Joseph, the Madonna delle Grazie, and that of St. Peter and St. Paul.
Administration and Curiosities about Santa Domenica Talao
If you want to know more about the administrative history of Santa Domenica Talao, I leave you here a summary table of the various administrations that have succeeded over the years. The town is twinned with other Italian and European locations, including….
Conclusions
So, if you are planning a vacation in Calabria, I strongly recommend not to miss the opportunity to visit Santa Domenica Talao, a true hidden gem on the Calabrian hills, rich in history, traditions and breathtaking landscapes. I am sure you will not regret it!
