Experiential tourism in Maida: from vegetable garden to table

Would you like to take part in the olive harvest? Or learn how to make homemade pasta? Or even take the flock out to pasture with the shepherds? If you too sometimes dream of escaping the city and the hectic pace, here is just the thing for you: a break in the peace of a small town, with its slow pace and old-fashioned flavours.

There is a place, in Calabria, where you can have an experience you will certainly not forget: we are in Maida (CZ), a village rich in history, culture and traditions that in recent decades has depopulated and today draws new life from tourism, offering what is increasingly rare to find elsewhere: authenticity and slowness.

The ancient medieval village of Maida bears the traces of a past rich in cultural contaminations due to numerous invasions. In the beginning came the Oenotrians, then Greeks, Romans, Lombards, Byzantines, Swabians, Angevins, Normans.

This town has its own little place in history: the London districts of Maida Vale and Maida Hill are so called because they celebrate the battle of 4 July 1806 between Napoleon's troops and the British army, which took place in Maida.

Walking through the alleys, one is fascinated by the beauty of some of the views. Admire the Arch of St Anthony, once known as the Castle Gate, connected to the old aqueduct that brought water to the town from the nearby Pilla Torrent. Under the Normans, the Castle was built at the top of the town, of which the ruins and one of the four towers at the corners remain. It was the site of a prison, of which some cells and the slate staircase still exist.

You will be pleased to discover that this town has several churches that can be visited and the village is embellished with historic noble palaces. Every year in the Convent of St Francis, on 4 April, the traditional "Cicerata" is held, a feast for the community and also for visitors, who can taste pasta and chickpeas prepared according to the ancient recipe.

There is a truly original way to immerse yourself in the life of this village and experience a holiday dedicated to physical and mental well-being. In collaboration with the ‘’Tra chjazza, rughi e carriari‘’ association, which carries out a project to revitalise the historic centre, it is possible to stay in the village and feel part of this community for a few days.

Tourists can stay in houses that have been renovated and given the names of those who have lived there for a long time: Aunt Franca's house, Grandparents' house or Bettina's house. You can discover what it feels like to sleep wrapped in loom-worked and embroidered sheets, scented with lavender, just like those of your grandparents.

A holiday in Maida can be enriched with different experiences: the olive harvest, grazing, Sunday lunch, fruit and vegetable picking in the vegetable gardens, or even lessons in typical cuisine, in which the products - strictly at 0 km - are enhanced by the recipes of the local gastronomy.