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Overview
Nestled on a hill in the Crotonese hinterland, Carfizzi is a small municipality of Arbëreshë (Italo-Albanian) origin, which retains its Balkan language and traditions.
Carfizzi is famous for being the birthplace of writer Carmine Abate, winner of the Campiello Prize for his novel La collina del vento (The Windy Hill), inspired by these very places.
Strolling through the streets and houses that still bear the mark of rural life, the village of Carfizzi reveals its authentic soul, suspended between the atmosphere of Calabria of days gone by and the customs of the community of Albanian origin, which still actively passes on its Eastern traditions and customs. A distinguished son of Carfizzi, the writer Carmine Abate was among the first to bring the narrative of these "literary places" to national attention, recognising them as part of a cultural heritage that must be protected.
At the entrance to the village, we are greeted by the Municipal Amphitheatre, while the main square (rahji) is the favourite meeting place for local residents, who enjoy the view stretching from the surrounding hills to the Ionian coast. The oldest building in Carfizzi is Palazzo del Corridore, located in the heart of the historic centre. Nature lovers can soak up the tranquillity of Montagnella Park, 400 hectares of woodland stretching to the headland, Bosco dell'Asturi, Laghetto di Crosari and the impressive Giglietto Waterfall, which, with its 36-metre drop, is one of the most interesting waterfalls in Calabria.
