Melito Di Porto Salvo: Garibaldi History and Calabrian Culture

Melito di Porto Salvo between Garibaldi History and Calabrian Culture

Melito di Porto Salvo combines a distinctive Garibaldi history with historic buildings and cultural traces in nearby Pentedattilo. Those choosing accommodation in this Calabrian town should therefore consider more than just a single attraction: the themes range from the Expedition of the Thousand to churches and an old fortress, as well as bergamot and regional products. This combination makes Melito di Porto Salvo a destination for travelers who want to combine history and local products in one trip.

Following in Garibaldi’s Footsteps

Giuseppe Garibaldi and his Thousand landed on Rumbolo Beach in Melito di Porto Salvo on August 19, 1860. The Mausoleo Garibaldino commemorates the nighttime landing of Giuseppe Garibaldi and his men from August 18 to 19, 1860, during the Expedition of the Thousand. The museum of the Mausoleo Garibaldino displays weapons, clothing, writings, documents, and memorabilia related to Garibaldi.

Old Town and Historic Sites

The Torre Saracena stands in the highest part of Melito di Porto Salvo’s old town and dates from around 1550. In 1861, Garibaldi’s followers stayed at the Casina dei Mille; during this time, the building was shelled by the troops of the Bourbon navy. Together with the mausoleum, it creates a multifaceted picture of the local Garibaldi history.

Pentedattilo: Castle, Churches, and Access

You can reach nearby Pentedattilo via the SS 106, the Annà exit, a 500-meter section of Via Nazionale, and then a road running approximately 4 kilometers north. In Roman times, the ruins of its castle were initially a military fortress equipped with towers and curtain walls; later, the feudal lords, particularly the Alberti family, transformed it into a proper castle. The Chiesa Santa Maria della Candelora, also known as Madonna della Purificazione and Candelora, dates from the 16th century and goes back to the Byzantine period. The church contains a Renaissance sculpture of the Madonna made of white Carrara marble, dated to 1564. The Chiesa dei SS Apostoli Pietro e Paolo was already mentioned in 1310 as one of the area’s four Protopapal churches; it contains a holy water stoup and a baptismal font from the 17th century.

Hiking and Regional Products

If hiking is one of your interests, the Sentiero dell’Inglese, divided into six stages, offers a clearly defined option for trip planning. The culinary side is also evident in Pentedattilo: Casa del Bergamotto extracts bergamot essence from a family-owned bergamot grove and produces decorated souvenir bottles containing the essence in its showroom. A local food shop sells typical Calabrian products such as preserves, products preserved in oil, jams, juices, compotes, and spices. You can also taste and buy local wines there.

More Destinations

Laureana Di Borrello, Stilo, Gambarie, Gerace, Pellaro, Stignano, Marina Di Caulonia, Sant'alessio In Aspromonte

To the overarching travel overview: Reggio Calabria.