In the heart of Aspromonte, nestled among the wild gorges of the Amendolea river, lies Roghudi Vecchio, an abandoned village that still lives on through its ancient history, evocative legends, and the rugged beauty of the Calabrian landscape. Visiting Roghudi Vecchio means taking a journey through time, to a place where silence still speaks.
A Village of History and Nature
Roghudi Vecchio was founded around the year 1050. For centuries, it was one of the vital centers of Calabria’s Grecanic culture, where the Calabrian Greek dialect was spoken and ancient traditions were passed down through generations.
The name “Roghudi” derives from the Greek words rogòdes or rhekhodes, meaning “full of crevices” or “rough,” a reflection of the territory’s harsh topography. The houses are clinging to a rocky ridge over 600 meters high, offering breathtaking views over the Aspromonte mountains. Yet this wild beauty came at a cost.
Abandonment and Memory
In the 1970s, two devastating floods — in 1971 and 1973 — struck Roghudi Vecchio, making many homes uninhabitable and forcing the population to relocate to Roghudi Nuovo, a newly built settlement at lower altitude.
Since then, Roghudi Vecchio has become a ghost town. Still, wandering through its stone alleys, amid crumbling roofs and silent squares, one can feel the presence of a once-vibrant community, shaped by its intimate connection with the land.
Legends of Roghudi
The village is steeped in legends and oral tales. One of the most famous says that mothers would tie their children with ropes fixed to the walls to keep them from falling into the ravines below while playing.
Another legend tells of distant cries or laments heard on windy nights echoing through the gorges — voices of the past still whispering in the silence.
Nearby, two iconic rock formations further enrich the atmosphere: the Rocca del Drako, whose shape resembles a dragon’s head, and the Caldaie del Latte, a series of smooth white rock basins linked to ancient mythologies and magical creatures.
What to Visit Today in Roghudi Vecchio
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Church of San Nicola: The only restored building in the village, it stands as a symbol of faith and resilience. Its simplicity enhances the spiritual feel of the place.
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Legendary Rocks: The Rocca del Drako and Caldaie del Latte are perfect for hikes and myth-inspired exploration.
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Hiking Trails: Paths connect Roghudi Vecchio to Bova, Gallicianò, and other villages in the Grecanic Aspromonte. These routes offer a pure experience of nature and solitude.
Roghudi Vecchio is a place suspended between memory and myth. It is living testimony to the bond between people and mountains, between history and legend. Visiting it means discovering another time, another Calabria — quieter, more authentic, more real.