Discover Benestare: Gypsum Houses, Churches and Cunfrunta

Benestare is a hillside settlement in Locride. The small houses are arranged on several levels in a layout reminiscent of a horseshoe. The town includes the historic district of Timpa, several churches, the Easter tradition of Cunfrunta, as well as landscapes with oak forests, peaks and a green area.

Timpa and churches in historic Benestare

The first settlement of Benestare emerged between the 17th and 18th centuries. Farmers settled there to cultivate the land. The historic centre is called Timpa. Its characteristic houses were built exclusively from gypsum, a mineral that occurs abundantly in the municipal area.

In the oldest part of Benestare stands the Chiesa Matrice di Santa Maria della Misericordia, commonly known as the Chiesa del Rosario. It is located in Piazza Matrice. The Chiesa di San Giuseppe dates back to the 16th century and is considered the oldest building in Benestare still preserved today. It houses a wooden statue of Saint Joseph. The Confraternita di San Giuseppe e Sant'Antonio, founded in 1845, is also based in the Chiesa di San Giuseppe.

The Teatro Comunale “Chjesia nova” was created by renovating an old religious building. Thus, alongside the churches and gypsum houses, Benestare also has a municipal theatre whose building originated from a former religious structure.

Cunfrunta: a traditional Easter custom

Cunfrunta is an Easter tradition handed down in Benestare for centuries, in which Mary announces the Resurrection of Christ. During this Cunfrunta, Saint John, who comes from the Timpa area, and the Madonna, who reaches the square via Via Roma, meet in Piazza Ariaporu. Anyone who wishes to participate may take part in the Cunfrunta.

The cultural association Catoja in Festa APS is also committed to promoting, protecting and enhancing Benestare’s historic gypsum houses. Catoja in Festa offers a programme of experiences including tastings, exhibitions, workshops, as well as musical and theatrical performances.

Oak forests, peaks and the Catoja green area

For nature-focused days, Benestare offers several clearly designated landscapes. Colle di Verraro is known for its centuries-old oak forests. Monte Canalo reaches 553 metres above sea level and is the highest peak in Benestare. The Catoja area is a green space whose use and maintenance serve public enjoyment and the preservation of the local natural heritage.

Ancient sites and beaches in the surrounding area

Several destinations in the surrounding area of Benestare also provide further points of orientation. The Casino Macrí Palace is located near the town. Also situated there are the ancient site Sanctuary of Persephone (santuario della Mannella), the Museo Nazionale di Locri and the ancient site Soprintendenza Archeologica Della Calabria.

The beaches Spiaggia di Bovalino, Spiaggia di Ardore, Spiaggia di Bianco and Spiaggia Locri are also located in the surrounding area of Benestare.

Events at the Teatro Comunale

Two free evenings of the music event “Voices & Music in Love” were scheduled at the Teatro Comunale “Chjesia nova” for 6 and 11 July 2026.

In addition, you can discover Piraino, Oppido Mamertina, Gioia Tauro, Saline Joniche, Ardore Marina, San Ferdinando, Galatro and Favazzina.

For the overarching travel overview: Reggio Calabria.