Civita is undoubtedly one of Calabria’s hidden treasures, a place where time seems to stand still and traditions live on in every corner. Its location in the Pollino National Park and the Raganello Gorges not only offers breathtaking scenery, but also makes Civita an ideal starting point for hiking and outdoor activities, attractive to nature lovers and adventurers alike.\u00a0The Arb\u00ebresh\u00eb culture is palpable in every aspect of the village, from the language spoken to the festivities, from the typical dishes to the architecture that tell stories of a rich and layered past<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Discover Civita, Calabria, an Arb\u00ebresh\u00eb jewel in the Pollino Park, rich in traditions, unique architecture and natural beauty.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":336889,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"the-village":"
Civita, a charming village located in the province of Cosenza, Calabria, is a true gem set in the heart of the Pollino National Park<\/strong><\/a> and the Raganello Gorges Nature Reserve<\/strong>. This place is emblematic of Arb\u00ebresh\u00eb culture<\/strong><\/a>, one of the oldest Albanian communities in Italy, which was founded in 1471 by families fleeing the Turks, on the ruins of a pre-existing settlement known as Castrum Sancti Salvatoris, destroyed by a violent earthquake in 1456.<\/p>\n The village of Civita is famous not only for its history but also for its unique architecture, which reflects the community's Albanian origins. The narrow, winding streets, called \"wrinkles,\" wind in a fascinating maze, leading to small squares, the \"gjitonie,\" where social life takes place under the banner of tradition. These community spaces, often enlivened by events and gatherings, represent the beating heart of the village, where the elderly gather to tell stories and share moments of everyday life.<\/p>\n One of the most fascinating aspects of Civita is its dwellings, many of which feature anthropomorphic shapes and bizarre chimneys that almost seem to come alive in the landscape. These \"talking houses,\" as they are sometimes called, tell stories of a past rich in tradition and culture. Walking through the historic center, one can admire the cracks in the walls, the faded colors of the facades, and the architectural details that hark back to a time when the village was a crossroads of cultures.<\/p>\n Civita's Arb\u00ebresh\u00eb community is extremely proud of its cultural heritage, which manifests itself in religious events and festivals related to the Eastern liturgical calendar. The village's churches, including the Chapel of St. Anthony<\/strong> and the Church of St. Mary of the Assumption<\/strong>, offer an outstanding example of religious architecture. The latter, built in the 16th century in the Baroque style, features an oriental layout and symbols of Byzantine theology, reflecting the community's Greek-rite Catholic tradition. Here, liturgies are celebrated in the Albanian language, reflecting a deep connection with Albanian origins.<\/p>\n The Arb\u00ebresh\u00eb language, a variant of the Albanian dialect, is still spoken and is actively preserved by the community, which established the first Municipal Linguistic Desk for the protection of ethnolinguistic heritage. This effort has made it possible to keep alive the traditions, customs and cultural identity that characterize Civita.<\/p>\n