Location and geographical context

Samo is a small municipality in the south-eastern Aspromonte, located on a hill north of the La Verde river, in a panoramic position between the sea and the mountains. Belonging to the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria, it has just under 700 inhabitants and represents one of the most fascinating historical stages of the Greek area. The original nucleus, Precacore, is located higher up, on Mount Palecastro, and is today a charming restored village.

 

Ancient and legendary origins

According to tradition and what was reported by Herodotus, Samo was founded in 492 BC by colonists from the Greek island of Samos, who fled the raids of King Darius of Persia. After an initial landing in Zancle (today's Messina), the colonists settled in the valley of the La Verde river, founding a commercial port that maintained close relations with Greece and the other Magna Graecia poleis.

Samos is also remembered as the alleged birthplace of the famous sculptor Pythagoras of Reggio, cited by Protagoras, Epicurus and other classical authors. Although the documentation is not certain, the legend is alive in the local cultural heritage.

 

From Samos to Precacore

Following the Saracen invasions, the population abandoned the coast and took refuge in the hills, founding Palecastro (“old fortress” in Greek), later to become Precacore. This village was destroyed by earthquakes several times (1349, 1638, 1783, 1908), until it was finally abandoned in the 20th century. Legend has it that the name “Precacore” derives from the desperate cry of a woman left alone after the earthquake: “My heart is breaking!”.

 

In 1911, with a Royal Decree, the new town further down the valley took back its ancient name: Samos.

 

Historic village and religious memory

The village of Precacore, now restored, is a destination for cultural and naturalistic tourism. It can be reached on foot via an illuminated path, also used for the procession to San Giovanni Battista della Rocca, the patron saint of the town, celebrated every 29th August.

The place preserves ruins of Greek-Byzantine churches, remains of medieval buildings and a strong spiritual suggestion, so much so that it is defined as the "ancient heart" of Samo.

 

Art, culture and tradition

In the 1990s, Samo started an urban redevelopment project in collaboration with the Aspromonte Park and the Academy of Fine Arts of Reggio Calabria. The streets of the town are now enriched with artistic murals, restored fountains, decorated benches and the public washhouse with polychrome glass tiles, which make Samo an open-air museum.

The artisan tradition is still alive: the women of the village keep the art of weaving alive on the loom, while daily life flows simply, with the scent of bread and fresh cheese that enlivens the streets of the village.

 

Feudal history and autonomy

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Samo (formerly Precacore) experienced the turbulence of the Middle Ages, changing hands between various noble families: Ruffo, Centelles, Caracciolo, Marullo, Tranfo, De Franco. From 1806, with the abolition of feudalism, it became an autonomous municipality.

During the post-unification brigandage, in 1861, the population sided with the legitimist general José Borjès, demonstrating a long loyalty to the Bourbon dynasty.

After the 1908 earthquake, the village was rebuilt and in 1911 it was officially renamed Samo. After a brief merger during fascism, in 1946 it regained administrative autonomy.

 

Places of interest

• Precacore, a restored ghost town, a symbol of the town's historical identity;

• Sentiero di Palecastro, a panoramic route between nature and memory;

• Murals and artistic street furniture, the result of the redevelopment project of the 90s;

• Washhouse and historic fountains, meeting places and collective memory.