Benestare: Gypsum Houses, Churches and Cunfrunta
Benestare is a hill settlement in Locride. The small houses are arranged on several levels in a layout reminiscent of a horseshoe.
Historic Town Center and Special Buildings
The first settlement of Benestare developed between the 17th and 18th centuries. Farmers settled there to cultivate the land. The historic center is called Timpa. Its characteristic houses were built exclusively from gypsum, a mineral abundant in the municipality. The Catoja in Festa APS cultural association is committed to promoting, protecting and enhancing these historic gypsum houses.
In the oldest part of Benestare, the Chiesa Matrice di Santa Maria della Misericordia stands in Piazza Matrice and is commonly called Chiesa del Rosario. Another building is the Chiesa di San Giuseppe. It dates from the 16th century and is considered the oldest building in Benestare still preserved today. Inside, there is a wooden statue of Saint Joseph. The Teatro Comunale “Chjesia nova” was created through the renovation of an old religious building.
Cunfrunta: an Easter Tradition with its Own Local Dramaturgy
Cunfrunta is an Easter tradition in Benestare that has been passed down for centuries, in which Mary announces the Resurrection of Christ. On Piazza Ariaporu, Saint John, who comes from the Timpa area, meets the Madonna, who reaches the square via Via Roma. Anyone can take part in Cunfrunta. The Confraternita di San Giuseppe e Sant'Antonio was founded in 1845 and is based in the Chiesa di San Giuseppe.
Green Spaces, Forests and Elevations
The landscape around Benestare also has its own distinctive features. The Catoja area is a green space whose use and maintenance serve public enjoyment and the preservation of the local natural heritage. Colle di Verraro is known for its centuries-old oak forests. Monte Canalo reaches 553 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Benestare.
Places to Visit in the Area
The area around Benestare is home to the Casino Macrí Palace, the ancient Sanctuary of Persephone (santuario della Mannella), the Museo Nazionale di Locri and the ancient site of Soprintendenza Archeologica Della Calabria. The beaches of Spiaggia di Bovalino, Spiaggia di Ardore, Spiaggia di Bianco and Spiaggia Locri are also nearby.
Events and Local Culture
The Catoja in Festa experience program includes tastings, exhibitions, workshops, as well as musical and theatrical performances. On July 6 and 11, 2026, two free evenings of the music event “Voices & Music in Love” were scheduled to take place at the Teatro Comunale “Chjesia nova”.
More about Piraino.
For the higher-level travel overview: Reggio Calabria.
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