Holiday apartment in Filandari: Churches, Festivals and Monte Poro

Filandari lies on the eastern slopes of Monte Poro, overlooks the Mesima Valley and is located at approximately 500 metres above sea level. Close to the former fortifications of the city-state of Mesima, Filandari inherited a historical and cultural heritage from this location.

Church history spanning several periods

On 1 June 1530, a parish church of Santa Marina is mentioned in Filandari. The former Santa Marina church was built from around 1740, consecrated in 1750 and completed in 1753. It had seven altars and two naves. After suffering severe damage in the earthquake of 28 December 1908, the demolition and rebuilding of today's Santa Marina church began around 1925. It was consecrated and opened for worship in November 1933.

Arzona and the Madonna della Misericordia

In 1902, an image of Maria SS. della Misericordia arrived in Arzona without a sender and from an unknown origin. The residents then began building a church dedicated to the Madonna. The sanctuary of the Madonna della Misericordia in Arzona was destroyed in the earthquake of 1783; its remains were discovered and located in 1902. In Arzona, the Madonna della Misericordia is celebrated every year on the second Sunday in August.

Santa Marina: Festival days and living tradition

The feast of Santa Marina Vergine is celebrated in Filandari on 17 July. It includes a solemn procession through the streets of Filandari, during which the faithful carry the statue of the saint. As early as the evening of 15 July, the statue used in the veneration of Santa Marina is lowered from its niche to the centre of the community. This tradition is called “calata” or “scinduta”.

Craftsmanship and the place name

Around 850 AD, a craftsman of Greek origin is said to have established a spinning and weaving mill in the Filandari area. This craft later spread to the neighbouring towns of the state of Mesima and throughout the Vibonese area. The Greek place name Filandari is also associated with the Saracen raids of the 9th century.

Pecorino del Monte Poro DOP

Filandari is part of the official production area for Pecorino del Monte Poro DOP. The cheese is made from sheep's milk and, depending on its maturation period, is offered as “fresh” with 20 to 60 days, “semi-matured” with 61 days to 6 months or “matured” with 6 to 24 months. For a holiday apartment in Filandari, this regional connection is a tangible culinary trail if you would also like to discover your destination through its products and traditions.

Holiday apartment in Filandari: Culture, festivals and the cave

The “Tears of Milk” cave in Filandari can be reached via a descending path to the left of the Calvary.

Further destinations for your planning: Maierato, Filogaso, Pannaconi, Acquaro, Vibo Valentia, Mongiana, Soriano Calabro, Drapia

To the higher-level travel overview: Vibo Valentia.