Palmi attractions

Source en.wikipedia.org

Palmi has acquired its name because of the many palm trees that stood in its territory.

For centuries, the city was one of the most important cultural centers of Calabria in the literary, musical, historical and archaeological interest. Gave birth, among others, to the famous composer Francesco Cilea, and the writer Leonida Repaci and houses the museum complex of the House of Culture and the Archaeological park of Tauriani, on the ruins of the ancient city of Tauriana. In the latter lived in Saint Fantino, the oldest saint of Calabria and the crypt, which contained his remains, is currently the oldest catholic place of worship in the region.

In 1908 Palmi was almost totally destroyed by the violent earthquake of December 28, which resulted in about 600 deaths. The town was rebuilt. Pucci stavolgendo almost completely urban planning of the past centuries. The reconstruction, which involved the entire first half of the 20th century, gave the city a pleasant appearance, with the uniformity of the volumes, with the neoclassical style of the new buildings and the construction of monuments and works of art.

Of past centuries has remained the Watchtower (1565), the Church of the Crucifix (17th century), the Church of the Our Lady of the Help (1788) and the Temple of Saint Fantino (4th century), the oldest place of worship in Calabria which were crypt houses the remains of the saint. The other architectures have been so altered or rebuilt after 1908. The main one is the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas (1932), in Romanesque style, with near Civic Tower (1956). In front of the religious complex there is a communal palace, called Palazzo San Nicola (1932), and subsequently there is a park that houses the War Memorial of the First World War (produced by Michele Guerrisi). Nearby is the mausoleum of Francesco Cilea (1962), in which are the remains of the local artist. Of particular interest to the artistic and historical heritage is the shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in Baroque style, bound to its high value.

Watchtower

Palmi Cathedral

Palazzo San Nicola

Palmi hosts many events, especially in summer ("Summer of Palmi") and with religious significance.

The main one is the Varia di Palmi, which is a huge sacred carriage representing the universe and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Above the sacred chariot, 200 Mbuttaturi (porters) carry human figures 16 meters high: "Animella" (a child representing the Virgin Mary) and human figures representing God "Padreterno", apostles and angels.

The feast of St. Roch (August 16) is also important. During the procession of the statue through the streets, some worshippers participate in vow offerings, naked to the waist in spiked wild broomsticks (called "spalas"). The procession runs for four and a half hours and covers 11 kilometers (7 miles) of road.

In late July, there is the Our Lady of the High Seas procession, a procession of a statue into the sea with a boat, followed by a procession of boats and yachts. The St. Fantino procession is instead formed by a procession of horses and riders. Other processions are dedicated to the Crucifixion, St. Anthony, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of Help (with torches), St. Elia, Our Lady of the Mountain, and the Immaculate. All of them are accompanied by small fairs and fireworks. All religious festivals are accompanied by the city's Parade of Giants. The giants are two huge papier-mâché figures that run through the streets of the city to the rhythm of drums.