Oppido Mamertina

Oppido Mamertina is located in the province of Reggio Calabria, within the Aspromonte National Park, nestled in the embrace of a forest of centuries-old olive trees. Its territory extends from the Aspromonte peaks to the heart of the Gioia Tauro Plain and is striking for the beauty of the natural setting in which the village is nestled. From the citrus groves and olive trees of the plain, gradually climbing up the hills, you encounter chestnut, walnut, pine and oak trees, before reaching the peaks, characterised by beech, black pine and silver fir trees.

One of the main points of interest is certainly the archaeological site of Mella, where numerous excavation campaigns (also carried out by US universities) have brought to light finds from different periods and reconstructed an urban context of great historical interest, with paved roads more than seven metres wide and large buildings. Numerous coins belonging to the mints or authorities of Rome, Metaponto, Valentia, Locri Epizefiri, Rhegion, Catania and Syracuse have been unearthed, also used by the Bretii and Mamertini, an important testimony to the great trade that involved the Greek colonies in the south of the peninsula. Among the finds recovered at Oppido Mamertina, one is of particular value: the Varapodio Cup, also known as the Tresilico Cup, now preserved in the Archaeological Museum of Reggio Calabria. It is a glass cup decorated with gold leaf depicting a hunting scene dedicated to the cult of the goddess Artemis. During the excavations, bronze statuettes, bricks, tiles, terracotta heads, millstones, metal necklaces, ceramics, amphorae, oil lamps, ointment jars and much more were also found, but unfortunately, much of it was stolen by tomb raiders when the archaeological area was not guarded.

The medieval town of Oppido Mamertina was probably founded in the 9th century on the ancient Oppidum, not far from the Magna Graecian town of Mella di Mamertini. Oppido Mamertina, destroyed by an earthquake and subsequently rebuilt, preserves noble palaces and several important churches in its historic centre. It was a fortified village, with a castle, gateways and large defensive walls that are still largely visible today. To understand the cultural vitality of the village, which was home to numerous convents and two prisons, it is enough to know that philosophy, dogmatics, moral theology, sacred scripture, Gregorian chant, oratory, poetics, aesthetics and the history of philosophy were taught in the seminary. Today, the strong sense of popular devotion finds its place of prayer and contemplation in the imposing Cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. Built in neoclassical style, at 33 metres it is one of the largest sacred buildings in Calabria. The bell tower (although not yet completed) is 50 metres high. The church has three naves divided by imposing columns, the ceiling of the central nave is coffered, and the large central rose window depicts the Assumption of Mary into heaven and hosts of angels in other panels. The Cathedral houses a wooden sculpture of Ecce Homo that belonged to St. Charles Borromeo.

The most heartfelt celebration for the community is that of the patron saint, Maria Santissima Annunziata, on 25 March, which is also repeated in August to give emigrants returning for the holidays and tourists the opportunity to participate in the procession and celebrations. The Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, located next to the Cathedral, is well worth a visit. It houses paintings, icons, silverware and architectural elements that bear witness to the history of the diocese of Oppido and its bishops before and after the earthquake of 1783. To learn more about the history and traditions of Oppido Mamertina, there is also the Museum of Rural and Artisan Life, which displays ancient looms used for weaving by the women of the village.