Scido
Scido, a small municipality in the heart of Aspromonte
Scido is an Italian municipality located in the metropolitan city of Reggio Calabria, in Calabria. With only 853 inhabitants, this village is bordered by the Cresarini and Pietragrande rivers and sits at an altitude of 456 meters on a surface area of 17.53 km². Nestled on a triangular plain with the apex facing north, surrounded by dense and vast expanses of ancient olive trees, it is surrounded by hills.
Origins and history of the village
The origins of the village date back to the Roman era, as demonstrated by some scholars. Subsequently, Scido came under the jurisdiction of the Normans and the Bourbons, undergoing various dominations and conquests, until it became an autonomous municipality in 1811.
Places of interest
Despite its size, Scido offers some remarkable historical testimonies. Among these, the Church of San Nicola (16th century), a religious building in Romanesque style located in the center of the village, stands out. Another point of interest is the ruin of the Church of San Biagio, destroyed during the 17th century following an earthquake. In addition to religious monuments, it is possible to visit the fountain of San Nicola and the Arconata, a stone structure used for collecting rainwater.
Society
Demographic evolution
The population of Scido has decreased over the years, from 1,200 inhabitants in the 1950s to only 853 current inhabitants.
Religion
The majority of Scido's inhabitants follow the Roman rite of the Catholic Church and the territory belongs to the Diocese of Oppido Mamertina-Palmi. The village also hosts a female religious institute, the Salesian Oblates of the Sacred Heart.
Traditions and folklore
Scido is particularly known for its traditional religious celebrations, including the festival of San Biagio, held on February 3rd every year and featuring a solemn procession of the saint's statue through the streets of the village. The festival of Maria Santissima della Catena, on the other hand, is held on the last Sunday of August in the fraction of Santa Giorgia.
Economy
Scido's economy is mainly based on agriculture and local craftsmanship. Among the most prominent productions are handmade carved pipes. In addition, the village hosts a weekly market, as well as some shops selling typical products such as cheese, wine, and olive oil.
Infrastructure and transport
Scido is crossed by the state road 112 d'Aspromonte, which connects it to the nearby city of Reggio Calabria. The village is also served by an intercity bus service, connecting it to the surrounding areas.
Administration
The administration of Scido is composed of a mayor and a city council, currently in its second term. The municipality is part of the Union of Aspromonte Municipalities and has its seat at the Palazzo della Cultura.
Conclusions
If you are looking for a quiet place to spend a relaxing holiday, Scido is the ideal destination. Immersed in the wildest nature of Aspromonte, the village offers the opportunity to discover ancient traditions and taste local typical products, all just a few kilometers from the Ionian coast.
