Civita: the village among the canyons of Pollino

Perched on a rocky spur, Civita stands as one of the most beautiful villages in the Calabria region, located in the heart of the great Pollino National Park.

Civita is a place where nature and culture merge, and of course breathtaking views of the stunning Raganello gorges are not lacking, offering a panorama of spectacular canyons that cut through the landscape with primitive force.

The village offers outdoor walks among magnificent flower fields and olive groves that invite reflection and care of the soul.

Civita has strong historical roots; it is one of the most vibrant and resilient Arbëreshë communities in Italy. They carefully preserve their ancient traditions and are the guardians of stories and languages suspended in time. The “gjitonia” structure, of Albanian origin meaning neighborhood, has both an urbanistic meaning and represents the basic nucleus of social organization. It is the smallest portion of the urban fabric, consisting of a small square into which alleys converge, surrounded by buildings.

What to see in Civita

Civita boasts a rich heritage of religious buildings, including the Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Baroque style (16th century), where the Byzantine liturgical rite is practiced, with iconostasis and typical furnishings reflecting the Eastern religious tradition. Also not to be missed are the 16th-century Chapel of Santa Maria della Consolazione and the one dedicated to Saint Anthony.

A visit to the Arbëreshë Ethnic Museum is highly recommended, where ancient traditional garments are preserved and displayed, and the rites and customs handed down in the small community for centuries are explained.

Another must-see is the evocative Devil’s Bridge, 36 meters long and built in stone, which spans the Raganello stream with a single arch.

Traditions and events

Civita is one of the most active villages in Italy, rich in events, festivals, and traditions typical of the Civita community.

Not to be missed is the Prigatorët festival in memory of the deceased, where boiled wheat is offered as a gift to relatives and acquaintances. Another Eastern tradition is the Vallja festival, where ethnic dances of ancient origin take place in the village squares and streets to commemorate Skanderbeg’s victory over the Turks. Men and women dance in their traditional costumes, holding hands and singing Albanian chants.

Equally fascinating is the celebration of the Bonfire Dances, held during the first three days of May, when bonfires are lit around which ancient songs are sung and traditional dances of Eastern origin are performed.

Around Civita

The village of Civita is an excellent starting point for hikers and adventurers. The trails that cross the Raganello gorges are among the most spectacular and breathtaking in the region.

Not far away, you can also visit Frascineto and Castrovillari, villages equally rich in history and culture.

Civita is a magical place that leaves a mark on every visitor; here beauty reveals itself step by step.

Cover photo credits: Don Gatley