La Sila is a mountainous plateau that stretches across the provinces of Cosenza, Crotone, and Catanzaro, at the very heart of the Calabria region. Covering approximately 1,500 square kilometers (150,000 hectares), it is known for its dense forests, hills, and pristine lakes. The name Sila is believed to derive from the Latin silva, meaning “forest.”
In 2002, the Sila National Park was created to protect the area’s unique ecosystems and promote sustainable tourism. The park is divided into three main areas: Sila Grande, Sila Piccola, and Sila Greca, each offering distinct landscapes and cultural experiences. The park’s flora is very diverse, with vast expanses of coniferous and deciduous forests: here, beech, oak, and chestnut trees dominate the landscape, interspersed with rare species like the Calabrian pine. A highlight of the flora Silana are the Giganti della Sila (Giants of the Sila), a group of ancient larch pines and sycamore maples located in the Fallistro Nature Reserve; some of them are over 350 years old, reaching heights of up to 45 meters and trunk diameters exceeding 2 meters.
Local fauna is equally impressive, as the park provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the Apennine wolf, roe deer, wild boar, and the rare European otter. Bird enthusiasts can observe species such as the peregrine falcon, golden eagle, and black woodpecker. The park’s diverse ecosystems also support a rich array of amphibians and reptiles.
Visitors to the Park can engage in a plethora of activities year-round. Hiking and mountain biking trails crisscross the park, offering routes for all skill levels through breathtaking landscapes; the park’s lakes, including Lake Cecita, Lake Arvo, and Lake Ampollino, provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and sailing. In winter, the area transforms into a haven for snow sports, with facilities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, particularly around Monte Botte Donato, the highest peak in the Sila at 1,928 meters (6,325.46 ft).
This is the Sila today, but what about its historical connections? In ancient times, its forests supplied precious timber to the Greeks, who used it to build their ships, making it a crucial resource for naval expansion and trade across the Mediterranean. The high-quality wood from Sila’s trees was particularly valued for its strength and durability. As centuries passed, the area fell under the influence of various civilizations, each leaving behind a cultural imprint that shaped the region’s identity: the Romans, recognizing the strategic and economic value of the region, established settlements and road networks, integrating the area into their vast empire; they also introduced agricultural practices that influenced the development of rural communities. With the fall of the Roman Empire, the Ostrogoths and Byzantines vied for control over the area, bringing new architectural styles and governance structures. The Byzantines, in particular, contributed to the diffusion of Orthodox Christianity, which had a lasting religious and artistic influence on the region. During the Norman conquest of Southern Italy in the 11th century, La Sila became an important frontier region: the Normans fortified towns, built monasteries, and encouraged the spread of Latin Christianity, helping to shape the region’s feudal system.
One of the most culturally significant chapters in La Sila’s history began, however, in the 15th century, when Albanian immigrants fleeing Ottoman persecution settled in the area; most of them were followers of Skanderbeg, a prominent Albanian nobleman and military commander who played a crucial role in resisting Ottoman expansion in the Balkans. Once in Calabria, they founded communities we call today Arbëreshë, which have maintained a distinct identity, preserving their traditions, costumes, and dialects.
The Sila’s urban landscape is dotted with charming towns and villages. Acri, often referred to as the “door to Sila,” has interesting historical sites like the ruins of a feudal castle and the 19th-century Basilica del Beato Angelo d’Acri. Camigliatello Silano is known for its markets and as a hub for winter sports, while San Giovanni in Fiore, the largest town in the Sila, is home to the Abbey of Florens, a significant example of medieval monastic architecture.
Local culinary traditions largely find their origins in the area’s agricultural and pastoral heritage: the region is famous for its high-quality dairy products, particularly caciocavallo cheese, which holds a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. The fertile soils yield the renowned Sila potatoes, recognized with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, and featuring prominently in local dishes. The wilderness also offers plenty of delicious treasures, including porcini mushrooms, abundant in the forests.
With such a wealth of delicious traditional foods, it isn’t surprising to learn that culinary sagre are plenty. Among the most famous, we should remember the Sila Potato Festival, which takes place from August to early September in Camigliatello Silano, where the Sila potato is celebrated with culinary shows, cultural meetings, and street performances. In the fall, it’s time to celebrate the Mushroom Festival, dedicated to the already-mentioned porcini with tastings, workshops, and guided foraging excursions.
The significance of La Sila extends beyond its history and natural splendor, as the area serves as a vital ecological and cultural hub, preserving both biodiversity and meaningful traditions. With its diverse ecosystems, historical towns, and culinary delights, La Sila has something for every type of visitor: if you love adventures in the great outdoors, La Sila has something for you, and if you enjoy history or food tourism, you’ll enjoy it just as much.
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