Limbadi between Monte Poro and Costa degli Dei

Limbadi between Monte Poro and Costa degli Dei

Limbadi lies in the south of the province of Vibo Valentia, at the foot of Monte Poro. The municipality is set in a hilly landscape between the pastures of the Monte Poro plateau and the Costa degli Dei; the plateau also extends into the area of Limbadi. You can therefore explore the town according to different interests: landscapes, local history, religious festivals and rural cuisine.

Historic Townscapes and Panoramic Views

Corso Umberto I and the adjacent lane, which bears the name of the Prince of Piedmont, are paved with lava stone. The stone was brought from Mount Etna in the 1930s. The Chiesa di San Pantaleone houses a relic of Saint Pantaleon in a small vial.

Motta Filocastro: Lanes, the Via Popilia and the Filocastrum Festival

Motta Filocastro is characterised by narrow, winding lanes, wrought-iron balconies and granite portals, and lies along the ancient Via Popilia. Count Roger had a castle with twelve towers built there. For the Filocastrum Festival, the historic centre is prepared for visitors who take part in the medieval festival in this town, which preserves its ancient urban structure. The festival includes stalls run by merchants and craftspeople, musical performances and a historic procession with around 80 participants.

Religious Festivals and Regional Cuisine

Two important festivals in honour of Saint Pantaleon take place in Limbadi: the “festa du santu poveru” at the end of May and the more solemn “festa du santu riccu” in July. During the procession in honour of Saint Pantaleon, some of the faithful, known there as “sparacari”, wear a hood made of stinging wild herbs that covers the head down to the upper body, in fulfilment of a vow. In Caroni, the Sagra dei Tagghjarini is an annual summer event dedicated to tasting traditional pasta.

Historic Structure and Panoramic Views

Il Tocco in Motta Filocastro is a panoramic terrace overlooking the Piana di Gioia Tauro, the Serre and Aspromonte mountains, the Strait of Messina, parts of Sicily and Mount Etna. Caroni lies almost on the slopes of Monte Poro and looks towards the Serre mountains and the Gulf of Gioia Tauro.

Getting to Limbadi and Rural Traditions

To reach Limbadi, take the A3 towards Reggio Calabria as far as the Rosarno exit, then continue on the SS18 to Limbadi. Limbadi is served by Rosarno railway station. The Giornata del Contadino focuses on traditional occupations, old farming equipment and recipes from simple rural cuisine.

More Places for Your Trip Planning

For further trip planning, you can also discover Santa Domenica, Maierato, San Cono, Mongiana, Mandaradoni, Capistrano, Parghelia and Mileto.

To the higher-level travel overview: Vibo Valentia.