ROGHUDI VECCHIO: ECHO OF A FORGOTTEN PAST
Origins and Tragedy
Roghudi Vecchio, with its deeply Greek roots, represents a dark chapter in Italian history. In 1971, this ancient village had a population of approximately 1,650 people. However, its location in one of the rainiest areas of Calabria has made it vulnerable to frequent and devastating floods. Tragedy struck in 1971 when, in just two days, an amount of rain equivalent to that of an entire year fell. This catastrophic event isolated the town, causing numerous victims and making many homes uninhabitable.
The Evacuation
In response to this calamity, Mayor Angelo Romeo signed an ordinance on 02/16/1971, requiring the evacuation of the town. Most of the inhabitants accepted the decision and moved to the new location of Roghudi, granted by the municipality of Melito Porto Salvo. However, some elders, deeply attached to their land, chose to ignore the ordinance. But nature made itself felt again in 1973, forcing even the most diehards to leave. From that time, Roghudi Vecchio became known as a "Ghost Town".
Curiosities and Legends
A peculiar practice of Roghudi Vecchio concerned the safety of children. Large nails were fixed to the external walls of the houses, to which ropes were tied. At the other end, children were tied by their ankles, a drastic measure taken to prevent fatal falls from surrounding cliffs. This practice, while it may seem barbaric, was a tragic response to the deaths of many children.
Rumor has it that if you visit Roghudi Vecchio at night, you can still hear the cries of these children resounding from the cliffs. But, like many stories, it may just be a legend... or maybe not.
Reflection
Roghudi Vecchio is a warning about the relentless force of nature and the difficult choices communities must make to survive. Although now silent and deserted, the village continues to tell its story to anyone willing to listen.
ROGHUDI: ROOTS AND LEGEND
Origins of the Name
The name "Roghudi" carries with it the echo of its ancient Greek roots. Deriving from "rogòdes", the term evokes the image of a place "full of crevasses", a harsh and rugged landscape. Another possible origin could be "rhekhodes", which means "harsh", a term that perfectly reflects the wild and uncontaminated nature of the area.
The Eminent Poets of Roghudi
Roghudi is not only known for its breathtaking landscape and tragic history, but also for the cultural richness it has produced. The city and its hamlet, Chorio di Roghudi, have seen the birth of some of the most famous "Worker Poets" of the region.
- Angelo Maesano, better known as Mastrangelo, is particularly famous for being the "father" of the anthem of the Greeks of Calabria, "Éla mu condà". His poetry captures the essence and passion of the Greek-Calabrian people, making him a central figure in the region's literature.
- Francesca Tripodi and Salvatore Siviglia are two other eminent poets who have contributed significantly to the rich cultural tapestry of Roghudi. Their works reflect the love for their homeland and the depth of the traditions and stories that characterize it.
Reflection
Roghudi, with its deep roots and rich history, continues to fascinate and inspire. Every corner of the village tells a story, every stone has a song to sing, and its illustrious children, through their words, have ensured that these melodies are never forgotten.
ROGHUDI: ECHO OF A MAJESTIC PAST
Geography and Location
Roghudi, an ancient village with Hellenophone roots, rises majestically at 527 meters above sea level, clinging to an imposing rock formation in the heart of the vast Amendolea river. This position, in an area characterized by a succession of mountains and precipices, makes Roghudi a hidden jewel of Calabria.
Time travel
The history of Roghudi is intertwined with that of travelers and writers. One of the best known is Norman Douglas, who in 1915 traveled the Aspromonte from Delianuova to Bova. During this journey, Douglas would have crossed the hamlet of Ghorio di Roghudi, today almost abandoned. Here, the geological formations "Rocca du Dragu" and "Vastarùcia" emerge as silent guardians of the valley, witnesses of a distant past and ancient legends.
Origins and Decline
The name "Richoudon", which derives from the Greek "Rhogodes" (crevasses), makes its first appearance in an 11th century Byzantine document. This document mentions Roghudi as a settlement near the grounds of the monastery of Sant'Angelo di Valle Tuccio. As the centuries passed, Roghudi became part of the fiefdom of Bova and, subsequently, of the barony of Amendolea.
However, tragedy struck in the last century when a devastating flood swept away much of the village, forcing its inhabitants - Grecanic shepherds and farmers who had lived there for generations - to abandon their homes. This tragic event has transformed Roghudi into a symbol of abandonment, a ghost village that reflects the challenges and difficulties faced by Aspromonte over the years.
Roghudi's story is a testament to the power of nature and human resilience. Although it is now a ghost town, its ruins and history speak of a community that once thrived, ancient cultures and deep connections to the land. Roghudi remains a place of reflection and memory, a warning about the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit.
EXPLORE THE HEART OF ROGHUDI: BETWEEN HISTORY AND LEGEND
A Journey Through Time
Roghudi, an ancient and mysterious village, reveals itself to those who decide to follow the ancient paths of Aspromonte. Immersed in a landscape where nature reigns supreme, with centuries-old woods, deep gorges and crystal-clear streams, the visitor is surrounded by a magical atmosphere suspended in time. Every stone, every corner of this place tells stories of a distant past, of a community that once lived and thrived here.
Symbols of an Ancient World
Two particular geological formations attract attention and stimulate the imagination: the Dragon's Fortress and the Milk Boilers. These natural wonders are not only testaments to the power of nature, but are also shrouded in myths and legends that date back to ancient times.
The "Rocca du Dragu", an imposing rock formation, seems to observe the surrounding landscape with two large "eyes" engraved on it. This particular feature has given rise to stories of dragons and mythical creatures that would once have inhabited these lands.
The "Vastarùcia", also known as the milk boilers, are spherical rock formations. Legend has it that these "boilers" were used to feed a dragon that guarded a hidden treasure. However, there are those who believe that their name derives from their resemblance to the ancient pots used to boil milk, known as "cardara".
An Invitation to Discovery
Visiting Roghudi means immersing yourself in a world where history, nature and legend intertwine in a timeless ballet. It is an experience that invites reflection, discovery and admiration of the wonders that nature and history can offer.