Bova is an ancient village located in the southern part of the Aspromonte, at about 900 meters above sea level. It is recognized as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" and is part of the Hellenophone area of Calabria, also known as Bovesia.
Historical Background
Its origins date back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by some archaeological finds discovered in the area. In ancient times, the territory was inhabited by Italic peoples and later by Greek colonists who founded a settlement known as Delia or Deri. After the fall of the Roman Empire, due to barbarian and Saracen raids, the population took refuge in the highlands, founding the current village. During the Norman period, Bova became an important ecclesiastical fief.
Culture and Language
Bova is one of the main centers of the Calabrian Greek-speaking minority. Here, the Greek of Calabria is still preserved, a dialect rooted in ancient Greek. The local culture is deeply tied to this heritage, visible in traditions, music, religious rituals, and place names.
Points of Interest
• Bova Castle: located in a panoramic position, today it is a ruin but retains the charm of ancient medieval fortifications.
• Bova Cathedral: rebuilt after the 1783 earthquake, it contains architectural elements from the Byzantine and Norman periods.
• Gerhard Rohlfs Documentation Center: set up inside the Tuscano Palace, it preserves images and materials of the famous German linguist who studied the Greek of Calabria during the 20th century.