Spilinga: Churches, Caves and 'Nduja

Spilinga lies on Monte Poro in the hinterland of the Costa degli Dei. The town brings together sacred history, caves and a strong connection to 'nduja di Spilinga. In the historic centre, stone lanes, steps and old churches shape a stroll; shrines and caves offer further historical points of interest in the area. These themes may help guide your choice of hotel if you want to shape your stay around culture, pilgrimage traditions or regional cuisine.

Churches, Caves and Pilgrimage Sites

The parish church of San Giovanni Battista was restored on the remains of an earlier building that had been damaged by the 1783 earthquake. Its history links the construction of the church with a specific turning point in Spilinga's past.

In Carciadi, the church is dedicated to the protection of Madonna della Misericordia; it was consecrated on 4 September 1932. The medieval hermit's settlement of Grotta di S. Leo, with its Byzantine frescoes, offers a different historical perspective. The term “hermit” refers to a religious life of seclusion.

The Santuario Madonna delle Fonti is a chapel carved into the rock and built around a spring believed to have miraculous powers. Every year on 21 May, the sanctuary is the destination of a pilgrimage with celebrations in honour of the Madonna. A Way of the Cross also runs nearby, leading visitors to a grotto. At this site, the rock chapel, spring and pilgrimage route are closely connected geographically.

The area around Spilinga includes numerous natural and man-made caves that have been used since prehistoric times. In Byzantine times, many served as refuges and places of worship for Basilian monks. The history of cave use thus extends from prehistoric beginnings to religious functions in the Byzantine era.

A different way to experience the town is to stroll through its historic centre: stone lanes, steps and old churches lead through Spilinga. Those interested in architecture and local history will find tangible impressions in the streetscape, while the caves and shrines offer further religious and historical points of interest.

'Nduja and Festivals in Spilinga

'Nduja di Spilinga comes from the municipality of the same name in the province of Vibo Valentia. It can be eaten on toasted bread or used to season other dishes. The product is therefore associated both with its distinctive preparation and with its use in a variety of dishes.

The Sagra della 'nduja takes place every year on 8 August in Spilinga. Its main venue is Corso Garibaldi in the centre, with food stalls and areas for folk performances. Visitors can sample dishes such as spaghetti, beans with onions, bruschette, meatballs, sandwiches and vegetables with 'nduja. The festival showcases several specific ways of using this speciality, from adding it to dishes to enjoying its flavour on toasted bread.

The Feast of San Giovanni Battista also brings together religious celebrations and local produce. On 24 June, the festivities include solemn processions through the main streets, as well as musical performances, markets and tastings of local Calabrian products, including 'nduja di Spilinga.

Discover more destinations: Santa Domenica, Capo Vaticano, Cessaniti, Pizzo, Coccorino, Capistrano, Filadelfia, Sant'onofrio.

For the broader travel overview: Vibo Valentia.