Calabrisella Mia

The Invasioni Digitali or Digital Invasions , now in its 6th year, was created to promote culture through the eyes of its participants.  As “invaders”, you are asked to photograph and share your experiences through social media. And, what I love most about this project, aside from visiting cultural heritage sites along with others, is all the interesting perspectives you get from any given place.

I’ve been an invader a couple of times in the past – you can check out the first one here and the second one here.

This year, Invaders will invade towns, cities, and other cultural sites between April 20th and May 6th. Using the official hashtag – #InvasioniDigitali – you will be able to open your world to the plethora of places all over Italy that will be invaded during these two weeks. It’s also a great way to discover new places that you may not have heard about!

Here is a look at the events and hashtags of the Invasioni Digitali happening in Calabria. There are more and more events being added as the official start draws near, so for a complete list, visit the Invasioni Digitali official site.

April 25, 2018

Monte Persano:  Trekking leggero alla scoperta dell’Eremo
9:30 am @ Piazzetta di San Lucido

The Monastery of Santa Maria di Monte Persano is located in San Lucido in the province of Cosenza. This ancient building is believed to have been built by Italian-Greek monks in the late Middle Ages. It was left abandoned for many years which has taken a toll on this structure, but it certainly doesn’t take away from its majestic feel. You’ll also find the remains of the abbey and a small church with one entrance made of tufa rock.  Invaders will meet in San Lucido where a transfer shuttle will take them to this incredible monastery where they can walk in and around the grounds and admire an incredible view including the town of San Lucido and the Tyrrhenian coastline below.

Organizers:  Associazione Onda d’Urto
Hashtag: #invasionidigitali

April 29, 2018

Paludi:  Invadiamo Castiglione di Paludi
9:30 am

Plaudi is located on the east coast of Calabria in the province of Cosenza. It’s still unknown where its origins lie, but many believe it was founded by the King of Epirus, Alexander Molossus, an uncle to Alexander the Great.  One thing is certain, the Castiglione in Paludi was built by highly skilled and experienced builders.  A castiglione is basically a hamlet with a fortress or castle that is contained within walls. The ruins of this castiglione include a theater, public area and a monumental east gate which beautifully represents the Hellenistic architecture that can be found throughout Southern Italy. The layout and techniques of this area are very reminiscent of the Ancient Greeks. Join the invaders as they touch down on this archaeological site and explore the remains of this important site surrounded by the incredible natural landscapes of this area.

Hashtag: #invasionidigitali

Umbriatico:  Invadiamo Il Borgo Antico di Umbriatico
10:00 am @ Piazza Olmo

Umbriatico is located in Crotone and sits on a flat hill. It is rich with history not only for its various invasions but also for the safe asylum it gave to populations of neighbouring towns.  Here you’ll find the ruins of ancient walls that were once part of a fortress that was used to protect the town and its people from the Romans. However, this fortress didn’t hold up and the Romans stormed in and massacred the population on the plains in front of these ancient walls. The remains were collected and buried in a mass grave which was discovered recently during road work on Provincial Road 85.

Organizers:  Associazione for Calabria
Hashtag: #invasionidigitali

May 5, 2018

Rione Timpone: Invadi La Judeca
3:30 pm @ the Statue of Federico II on Via Garibaldi 

Nicastro is one of the three municipalities that were grouped together to form Lamezia Terme back in 1968. And within Nicastro, you can find Rione Timpone, a neighbourhood which was once called “Judeca” due to the historical presence of Jewish people in this area.  A plaque marks the entrance into this area that was home to the Jewish community between the 13^th and 16^th century before they were run out by the Spanish inquisition in 1510.  The invaders will walk the streets of this neighbourhood that hold so much historical importance.

Organzier: Igers Lamezia Terme
Hashtag:  #InvadiLaJudeca

May 6, 2018

Cosenza: Invadiamo il Centro Storico di Cosenza/ Museo Storico all’Aperto
10:00 am @ the Statue of Alarico 

Cosenza is always ready for invaders!  This year, the invaders will be taking over the beautiful historic center of Cosenza where participants will have the oppourtunity to explore the narrow inner alleyways and paths that make up this important part of the city. As you make your way through the maze of streets and paths, you will learn about the history, heroes and the residents who have made this city so great!  A guided tour will take you along the path of the “Museo Storico All’Aperto” which features paintings scattered throughout the center depicting historical events. This is a great opportunity to see the mysterious, enchanting and suggestive corners of the historical center.

Organzier: “Interazioni Creative” Association
Hashtag:  #InvadiAmoCosenza 

Acri: Riscopriamo il Centro Storico 
10:00 am @ the Basilica Sant’Angelo d’Acri

Acri, sits on the foothills of Sila in the Province of Cosenza. Its name comes from the Greek world Akra, meaning summit, which can be referenced back to 1324. Acri is surrounded by forests which contain chestnut trees as well as oak and pine trees. Acri is known for its many religious structures, such as the Basilica di Sant’Angelo, Chiesa di Santa Caterina and the Church and Convent of San Francesco di Paola. The invaders will be taken on a guided tour of Acri’s historical centre which will be accompanied by music and local food.

Organzier: Assessore Mascitti
Hashtag:  #InvadiAmoAcri

Conflenti Superiore: Invasione nel Centro Storico 
10:00am – Via Roma

This small town sits on the slopes of Mount Reventino over 1000 metres above sea level. As you can probably imagine, it is surrounded by an incredible natural landscape with water springs and forests full of chestnut trees and ancient oaks. Conflenti is divided into two parts:  Conflenti Superiore and Conflienti Inferiore.  Invaders will have the oppourtunity to take over Conflenti Superiore and discover its monuments, churches and history.  At the end of the invasion, participants will have the chance to try some local foods and listen to some traditional music.

Hashtag: #Invasionidigitali

Soriano Calabro: Invasione Yallers a Soriano Calabro
10:00 am – Via Roma

Soriano Calabro may be a small village, but it’s rich in history, art and culture. One of the most important sites in this town is the Sanctuary of San Domenico as well as the ruins an ancient Baroque Convent and Basilica.  The origins of the town date back to around 1500 with the foundation of a convent by the Dominican priests which was later destroyed by the earthquake in 1659.  The convent was rebuilt in a Baroque style and was one of the most famous and popular sanctuaries in southern Italy. However, once again this convent was all but destroyed by another earthquake in 1783. The convent was rebuilt, but this time more modestly, however today the impressive ruins of the convent and church can still be seen today. The invaders will be snapping pics and capturing the beauty of this incredible area and historical building.

Organizers: Yallers Calabria
Hashtag: #invasionidigitali #invasionidigitaliyallers #invasionesorianocalabro

Corigliano Calabro: Invasione Yallers a Soriano Calabro
3:00 pm – Chiesa di Sant’Antonio da Padova

Corigliano, located in the northern part of Calabria is famous for its immaculate, and intact, Ducal Castle which dominates over the city. However, the castle isn’t the only thing that platys a role in the rich history of this city that can be told through its churches, noble residences and beautiful squares. The invaders will begin their invasion at the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio, with its vibrant cupola, before being taken around to many other important sites in this city.

Hashtag: #invadiamocoriglianocalabro

For all the latest information on any of these events or others happening across Italy, visit the official Invasioni Digitali site.