The Monastery of St. Elias the Elder, in Curinga, in the province of Catanzaro, embodies an important historical and cultural testimony of Calabria. Its origin probably dates back to the year 1000, as attested by a document of Robert Guiscard, who ceded the hermitage to the Benedictine Abbey of St. Euphemia. This place was founded by Eastern monks, the Basilians, who sought refuge and safety in a time of conflict. The first official mention of the monastery occurs in 1493 through a bull by Pope Alexander VI Borgia, followed by its transformation in 1632 into a Carmelite Reform convent of Monte Santo, although the monks abandoned it in 1662.
The remains of the monastery, brought to light through archaeological excavations in 1991, reveal a complex floor plan consisting of 13 rooms, including the prior’s cell, a wide central corridor and the chapel of St. Elijah, which preserves the remains of an altar. The architecture of the monastery is characterized by the presence of a perfectly preserved apse, with a square base and a Byzantine dome, highlighting its spiritual importance. The structures are plastered on the inside, while on the outside one can admire the craftsmanship of the stonework.
The Monastery of St. Elias the Elder is not only a place of worship, but also a cultural and social center that helped organize the agricultural life of the local community. Excavations have also revealed burials dating from 1700-1800, including a murdered woman, raising questions about the life and burial practices of the time.
Today, the monastery is in an abandoned state, but in good condition. Surrounded by a green meadow and pine forest, it represents an invaluable cultural heritage that deserves to be enhanced and known. Its beauty and history make it a fascinating destination for those who wish to explore the historical roots of Calabria.