San Lucido Village History

San Lucido sits on a rocky out-cropping jutting into the wilds of the Tyrrhenian sea, whose waves break at the village's feet (52 m above the sea) as they have done for centuries. 

On clear days, at the head of the town, clear views of the Eolian Islands are visible, and from this standpoint it is easy to envision what the inhabitants of San Lucido must have witnessed over centuries as Greek, Roman, Byzantine, French, Spanish, Arabic, and Turkish empires competed for control of the "toe" of the Italian peninsula.

Needless to say, San Lucido's history is expansive and it pre-dates the Romans and even the Greeks. Archeological findings have revealed that San Lucido was inhabited by the "Bruti," a native tribe who battled the Greeks and then joined them in fighting to keep out the Romans. 
Evidence of vases, coins, and common household utilities have all been found in and around San Lucido from each of the succeeding empires.

The name "San Lucido" itself takes from a monk, who inhabitted the town's monastery. 
The literal meaning of "Lucido" is "lucid," and important religious monments are important parts of the cultural landscape throughout the town.

One of the most impressive churches is the Sant'Annunziata, whose architecture is typically Romanesque-Gothic.

The church of San Giovanni, which sits next to San Lucido's dominating castle, is another. Here, an alter from 1789 reveals wood-work carvings, which predate 1600. 

The Festas at San Lucido that you don't want to miss:

Madonna del Rosario:
The event is held on the 7th October every year. The festival is held in the honor of the Madonna of Rosario. Here, visitors will witness local folk artists play their traditional music as the mass proceeds from the church. 

Santa Maria di Monte Persano
The event is held on the 2nd September every year to celebrate the end of summer. It is both a religious and civil festival, where flags line the streets and people from around Calabria come to sell their wares. The festivities continue well into the night. 

San Leonardo
The events for the San Leonardo festival take place from the 5th to
11th November. The festivities are of a religious nature, in honour of San Leonardo. A large part of the festivities take place on the "Lungo Mare," where
a large market is set up.

San Giovanni Battista
This event is held from the 23rd to 24th June. This is one of San Lucido's biggest festivals, and is both relgious and secular in nature. The festival is in honour of the patron saint Battista. Apart from the religious rites that take place, there is a large jazz festival and plays, which take place in the centre of town. At night, large displays of fireworks are visible. 

Links:

Italian Visits - San Lucido, Calabria, South Italy (click on name for details)

In Italy - Calabria, South Italy (click on name for details)