Pianopoli: Churches, River and Milling Technology

Location Between Terrace and River

The settlement of Pianopoli lies at the edge of a terrace and is crossed by the Badia River. This setting complements the town’s history and church architecture with a geographical perspective. Your travel plans can therefore encompass a range of interests: local history, sacred architecture and a technical detail of flour production.

Churches and Historical Connections

At Madonna dell’Addolorata, completion and consecration took place in different years: the church was completed in 1721 and consecrated in 1722. This sequence distinguishes the completion of construction from the consecration, providing a specific point of reference for exploring Pianopoli’s sacred history.

Santa Croce has an older historical connection: the church already existed before Feroleto Piano was founded. It is located on the lands of Coltura, which were regarded as a fief of the d’Aquino princes. Santa Croce can therefore be understood both through its early existence and through the historical context of the lands of Coltura.

Architecture and Furnishings

The Chiesa di San Tommaso d’Aquino stands at the crossroads where the town was founded. It is a simple Romanesque-style church with three naves. Behind the altar is a wooden altarpiece dedicated to the patron saint. These features connect local history with architecture and furnishings: the crossroads points to the site where the town was founded, while the three naves describe the layout of the church interior. The wooden altarpiece provides a distinctive feature inside. For travelers interested in Pianopoli’s history, the church combines a historically significant location with architectural details.

The Chiesetta di Sant’Agostino is defined by a modern reinforced-concrete structure. A section of the façade projects outward and is topped with a gable; square openings form a frame within this feature. Comparing it with San Tommaso d’Aquino highlights their different characteristics: the latter’s Romanesque style and three naves, and the former’s material and façade design. The Chiesetta is also set amid greenery.

A Technical Look at Flour Production

The Mulino ad Acqua complements the churches with a technical aspect of flour production. Its slowly turning stone mill operates at 140 revolutions per minute; the flour is not heated in the process. The slow milling and the fact that the flour is not heated go hand in hand. The mill thus offers a different focus from the churches: rather than architectural form, dedication or local history, it centers on a technical process. If you are interested in flour production, this focus complements Pianopoli’s architectural and historical themes.

Accessibility for Planning Your Visit

The access arrangements at Santa Croce and the Mulino ad Acqua are relevant when planning your visit. As of November 22, 2023, the ground-floor entrance to Santa Croce is via stairs; there is no ramp for people with disabilities. The ground-floor entrance to the Mulino ad Acqua is also via stairs, and there is likewise no ramp for people with disabilities. If you are planning a visit, check these access arrangements in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Petronà, Caraffa Di Catanzaro, Marcellinara, Davoli, Zagarise, Badolato, Taverna, Tiriolo

Return to the main travel overview: Catanzaro.