The Borgo dell’Amendolea is an ancient settlement located in the municipality of Condofuri, in the Grecanic area of Calabria. This village, now largely uninhabited, stands on a hill overlooking the Amendolea riverbed, offering a striking view of the Aspromonte mountains and the Ionian Sea.
Historical Background
The origins of the village date back to the medieval period. The settlement developed around the Ruffo Castle, a fortification built to control the surrounding territory and protect the population from invasions. Over the centuries, the village faced various events, including earthquakes and depopulation, which contributed to its gradual abandonment.
Cultural and Natural Heritage
The Ruffo Castle is the main point of interest in the village. Despite being in ruins, its walls and towers still retain the charm of the past and bear witness to the strategic importance of the site in former times. The castle ruins and the old village are set in a stunning natural landscape, characterized by Mediterranean vegetation and the presence of the Amendolea river, which flows at the foot of the hill.
Traditions and Culture
The Borgo dell’Amendolea is an integral part of the Grecanic area, a region of Calabria where traces of the ancient Greek language and culture are still preserved. Local traditions, cuisine, and festivals reflect this cultural heritage, making the village a place of historical, natural, and anthropological interest.
Today, the Borgo dell’Amendolea is a destination for hikers, history and culture enthusiasts, and those wishing to immerse themselves in an environment that tells centuries of history and tradition.