Q&A

Where is Pentedattilo in Calabria, southern Italy?

Where is Pentedattilo in Calabria, southern Italy?

Pentedattilo ( Calabrian Greek: Πενταδάκτυλο – Pentadàktilo) is a small village in Calabria, southern Italy, administratively a frazione of Melito di Porto Salvo. Until 1811, before the unification of Italy, it was a separate commune.

How did Pentedattilo in Italy get its name?

Until 1811, before the unification of Italy, it was a separate commune. It is situated at 250 m above the sea level, on the Monte Calvario, a mountain whose shapes once resembled that of five fingers (whence the name, from the Greek pente + daktylos , meaning “five fingers”).

When did Pentedattilo become a part of Melito?

In 1811, Pentedattilo lost its autonomy and became part of Melito. The population continued to dwindle; however, even before this emptying out of the residents, the town already had an eeriness due to a savage past with a homegrown horror tale to rival any other. This story reaches back many centuries in time.

Who are the Alberti family of Pentedattilo?

The Alberti family were marquises of Pentedattilo and residents of the local castle, while the Abenavoli family were barons of the nearby town of Montebello Ionico. As often seems to be the case with neighboring landowners, they didn’t get along and harbored a longstanding dispute with regard to property borders.