Discover Filandari: Monte Poro, churches and festivals

Filandari on Monte Poro

Filandari lies on the eastern slopes of Monte Poro, at an altitude of about 500 metres above sea level, overlooking the Mesima Valley. Its historical context also includes the former city-state of Mesima: Filandari is close to its former fortifications and has inherited a historical and cultural heritage from this place.

Santa Marina: several building phases

The parish church of Santa Marina is mentioned in Filandari as early as 1 June 1530. The earlier church of the same name was built from around 1740, consecrated in 1750 and completed in 1753. It had two naves and seven altars. After suffering severe damage in the earthquake of 28 December 1908, demolition and construction of the present-day church of Santa Marina began around 1925. It was consecrated and opened for worship on 1 November 1933. These dates trace several building phases: from the first mention to the 18th-century church and then its 20th-century replacement.

Arzona and the Madonna della Misericordia

The shrine of the Madonna della Misericordia in Arzona was destroyed in the 1783 earthquake; its remains were discovered and located in 1902. That same year, an image of Maria SS. della Misericordia arrived in Arzona without a sender and from an unknown origin. The residents then began building a church dedicated to the Madonna. Thus, 1902 marks both the discovery of the remains of the destroyed shrine and the arrival of the image, followed by the start of construction of a church.

Festivals and local traditions

Santa Marina Vergine is celebrated in Filandari on 17 July. The celebration includes a solemn procession through the streets, during which worshippers carry the saint’s statue. On the evening of 15 July, as part of the devotion to Santa Marina, the statue is lowered from its niche to the centre of the community; this custom is called “calata” or “scinduta”. For travel planning, these are two separate dates: the custom takes place on 15 July, and the festival with its procession is on 17 July. In Arzona, the Madonna della Misericordia is celebrated every year on the second Sunday in August. If you plan your trip around one of these occasions, check the local information about the relevant festival in advance.

Crafts, the place name and historical interpretations

Around 850 AD, a craftsman of Greek origin is said to have established a spinning and weaving workshop in the Filandari area. This craft later spread to neighbouring towns in the State of Mesima and the Vibonese area. One historical interpretation also links the Greek place name Filandari to the Saracen incursions of the 9th century. The account of the craft and the interpretation of the place name shed different light on Filandari’s earlier history.

Pecorino del Monte Poro DOP

Filandari is part of the official production area for Pecorino del Monte Poro DOP. The cheese is made from sheep’s milk and classified by ageing time: “fresh” at 20 to 60 days, “semi-aged” at 61 days to six months, and “aged” at six to 24 months. These three labels offer a concrete insight into the different ageing stages of this regional product.

The “Tears of Milk” cave

The “Tears of Milk” cave in Filandari can be reached via a descending path to the left of the Calvary. If you plan to follow the path, confirm the route locally before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Longobardi, Brattiro', Serra San Bruno, Mileto, Pannaconi, Brognaturo, Zungri, Vibo Valentia.

Go to the main travel overview: Vibo Valentia.