Geography
Roccaforte del Greco (Βουνί, Vunì in Calabrian Greek) is a small municipality in the Greek-speaking area of Calabria, located in the heart of Aspromonte, 971 meters above sea level. It stands on the southern side of the mountain massif, within the Aspromonte National Park, and dominates a rugged and suggestive area, characterized by steep slopes, deep gorges and a still untouched nature. The municipal territory is part of Bovesia, a historical area of diffusion of the Greek-Calabrian language.
Historical notes
The origins of the village are ancient but uncertain: according to some hypotheses, they date back to the Magna Graecia era, according to others to the Byzantine age. Since the first written attestations, 9th century, the territory of Roccaforte has been linked to the dominion of Bova, a reference center for the entire Greek-speaking area.
Over time, Roccaforte del Greco became a hamlet of Amendolea, and came under the control of various noble families, including the Ruffo di Bagnara, who held feudal rights until 1806, the year of the abolition of feudalism. Over the centuries, the community kept the Greek language of Calabria alive, despite the difficulties and repression suffered, especially during the fascist period.
Language and culture
In the 1960s and 1970s, the village was the object of attention by linguists and scholars, attracted by the survival of the Grecanic language. Among these, Giuseppe Falcone collected in the volume Varia linguistiche a rich lexicon of the Greek spoken in Roccaforte, accompanied by a translation of Aesop's Fables.
The town has given birth to numerous native speakers and custodians of the Grecanic oral tradition, helping to keep alive a linguistic heritage unique in Europe. Despite the progressive depopulation and emigration to Northern Italy and abroad, a part of the population continues to proudly cultivate its cultural roots.
Legends and curiosities
Among the most particular traditions linked to the village is "o cippitinnàu", an ancient engagement rite also common to other villages in Bovesia. The young man intending to ask for the girl's hand in marriage would place a log of wood in front of her house. If the log was welcomed and brought inside, the gesture was interpreted as acceptance by the family. Otherwise, it was a sign of refusal. The following day, the girl's father would symbolically carry the log around the village, publicly asking who had left it, in a sort of serious-but-joking ritual that involved the entire community.
Places of interest
The territory of Roccaforte also offers ideas for fascinating nature excursions. Worth a visit:
• Monte Scafi, one of the most evocative peaks on the southern side of Aspromonte.
• The Amendolea waterfalls, reachable with medium difficulty itineraries.
• The Zumbello picnic area, surrounded by greenery, equipped with tables, toilets, children's games and barbecues.