Agnana Calabra: Springs, Gorges and Local History

Agnana Calabra combines a multifaceted local history with mineral springs, gorges and traces of mining.

History and Churches in the Town

Agnana Calabra was established around 1343 near a monastery of Basilian monks located on Monte Sant'Agnana. The Church of San Basilio is part of the town's historical character: after being destroyed again by the hurricane of 23 January 1885, it was rebuilt in 1907. Access is through the main portal at Via Umberto I, SNC. The Church of Santa Maria della Misericordia is also located on this street; its main portal is at Via Umberto I, 76. Both churches are therefore on the same street, but their main portals have different street numbers.

Mineral Springs, Thermal Baths and Gorges

In the locality of Junchi, the mineral springs include one sulfur spring, two chloride springs and one iron-bearing sulfur spring. The sulfur- and chloride-bearing springs of Agnana are incorporated into a nature trail that crosses the entire area from north to south. The salsoiodic thermal baths are another special destination. They consist of two medieval basins made of fired bricks, which visitors can immerse themselves in.

To the southwest, the Fiumara Novito touches and borders the Agnana area. Its riverbed contains diverse plant life and various rocks, especially limestone and granite. The riverbed thus brings together a watercourse, plant life, limestone and granite. The gorges formed by erosion on Monte Schiavo can be crossed in summer and illustrate the geological development of the area. Remains of an anthracotherium were found near Vallone Luria; this animal is believed to have lived around 30 million years ago.

Mining and Unusual Local History

Agnana's mining history is also still present. A number of derelict mills and olive mills remain, with the Saitte in particular still intact. The mining park includes several mine entrances: some are considered accessible to visitors, while others are sealed with masonry. For visits, a distinction must therefore be made between the mine entrances considered accessible and the sealed facilities. The first train on the Napoli-Portici line was powered by lignite from Agnana. Anthracite coal extracted from the Agnana mines was used in 1882 to build the Roma-Frascati railway line.

Festivals, Processions and Local Sweets

The Feast of San Basilio Magno takes place in Agnana Calabra every year on 14 June. On 18 August, the Feast of Madonna della Misericordia follows, featuring a procession, fireworks and the traditional Cavalluccio dance. During the festivals, stalls sell local sweets. On the feast days, religious events are combined with a local selection of sweets. This also makes it possible to plan a stay around the cultural events and the local festival calendar.

More Destinations for Your Planning

More destinations: Motta San Giovanni, Favazzina, Santa Domenica, Marina di San Lorenzo, Santa Cristina D'aspromonte, Cittanova, San Ferdinando, Lazzaro

For the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Calabria.