The name Maierà derives from the Hebrew toponym, M'arà, and means cave, (precisely due to the presence of natural cavities present in the entire territory), it is a municipality of 1.300 souls (approximately) in the province of Cosenza, in Calabria.
It is known as a Small village in the Upper Tyrrhenian Cosentino and, due to its characteristic position, it rests on some "Scivole" (Rocks), in an enchanting historical-natural setting, 360 meters above sea level: the town is separated from the nearby and opposite town of Grisolia, through the "Vallata dei Mulini", where from Piazza Antica you can still admire what remains of the same stone mills, in the past at the center of our economy.
A popular legend tells that Maierà e Grisolia, they were separated by the will of God, to put an end to the dispute that arose between a young majeraioto and a young grisilioto, out of love for the same girl from Grisolia!
The narrow streets of the historic center preserve various works of modern art, murals and ceramic works curated by different artists (some of which by Japanese artists...), testifying to the past meeting with modernity. In this regard, the Ceramica Viva Project was conceived and implemented.
Monuments and churches of Maiora
Imposing and beautiful to look at, it is theGreat or Earth Gate”, once the entrance to the ancient village. Nearby there was the "Guardiola" from where, night and day, the Community was monitored.
Of notable value is the "Mother Church of Santa Maria del Piano", also in the historic center of Maierà, built at the behest of Charles I of Anjou, in 1534: the same, under Alfonso di Loria, underwent a total transformation, in fact where 'was the entrance, the main altar was placed. It was enlarged, the baron having purchased 'some sections of houses'. On the facade he had his and his wife's coat of arms reproduced, still well preserved, even if it has lost the original colours. Dedicated to Santa Maria del Piano, its feast is celebrated on July 2nd. The "Cave of San Domenico" is of historical importance: they are natural cavities and partly dug by man. They were home to a community of Basilian monks.
Located in the municipal territory, other churches:
- Chapel of the Madonna del Carmelo: a small church built not far from the historic centre. Near the Chapel, there are "Remains of a Court", probably Lombard (arch and stone walls).
- Church of San Pietro: small in size, it was once an integral part of the Basilian Abbey of San Pietro in Carbonara, one of the oldest Basilian abbeys on the Tyrrhenian coast. Inside it, it is possible to admire the altar and the wooden crucifix, works by a son of Maierà!
- Church of Santa Maria (inside the Cemetery): the first construction dates back, perhaps, to the Norman era. It has a single rectangular nave and has a semi-cylindrical apse.
- Remains of the Basilian Church of San Giacomo: of these there are only a few ruins, identifiable in the perimeter walls and the saint's niche. They are remains of the presence of Basilian monks.
- Remains of the Church of San Nicola.
The Via Crucis installed in Vrasi is refined, with precious and delicate majolica, created by a local artist. Don't miss the "Sculpture Park", also in Vrasi, with installations of stone sculptures created by a local artist. The Expo Zona Sud space is interesting, which over the years hosts exhibitions and meetings with artists and intellectuals of national and international fame: with this initiative it reaffirms and underlines its role as an important space for cultural proposals in the Riviera dei Cedri area.
The Maierà Chili Pepper Museum
The Chili Pepper Museum (unique in the world), located in the Palazzo Patrizio in the historic center of Maierà in the province of Cosenza – Calabria, was born from an idea of the Italian Chili Pepper Academy chaired by Prof. Enzo Monaco and supported by the Municipal Administration of Maierà, it is a few km from Diamante (Cs), where the "Chilli Pepper Festival" takes place every year.
Since July 2016 it has been part of the National Association of Small Museums. It is currently managed by the Municipal Administration, and the cost of entry per person is €1,00 as a contribution to its maintenance.
- A museum to tell six thousand years of history.
- A place to showcase devil-inspired art, objects and advertising.
- An obligatory reference for lovers of spicy aromas and flavours.
The testimony and memory of a great love for Calabria which elected him as a symbol of its cultural identity
It is equipped with various exhibition rooms, namely:
- The Chili Pepper Route : Six thousand years of travel around the world told by maps, photographs, drawings and historical testimonies;
- The plant smells and flavours : an overview of the varieties cultivated in the world cataloged by prof. Massimo Biagi in collaboration with the University of Pisa;
- The Advertising and everyday fantasy section : inside it there is the collection of the most famous sauces from all over the world, donated to the Museum by General Carlo Spagnolo, as well as perfumes, bubble baths, lighters, paintings and advertising posters;
- The Satire section with the “Cartoons on the Ring” born from the spicy intuition of the famous cartoonist Gianfranco Passpartout, as well as the absolute novelty with the “Walt Disney Pic” Collection created with the art of pyrography by Mrs. Fiorella;
- The Ceramics & Chilli section with the Pepita cup reigning supreme, a captivating, curious and stimulating cup.
Another curiosity is the Miniature Nativity Pic created by the Tiscione family of San Gregorio Armeno (Na), the homeland of nativity scenes.
- The Kama Sutra section with a collection of paintings created by Francesco Cirillo, as well as an interesting work called “Peperoncino Spray” created by Emiliano Cirillo with spray cans used for some Diamond Murals.
Inside it there is a marble work that portrays the twinning between the Diamond Chilli and the Sicilian Villalba Tomato;
- The Guests Pic in Maierà;
- The Painting Room and the TV screening of the Chili Pepper Supply Chain and the Festival Images;
- The Book Room;
- The Business & Gastronomy section with the display of the products that are produced, processed and marketed by them.
Inside you can find gadgets and spicy products to enjoy and give as gifts. The Museum is open from 15 June to 15 September from 18pm to 00pm.
Also during the "Peperoncino Festival", which takes place every year in Diamante (Cs), from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. Groups and parties can agree on the days and times of the visits on any other day by calling the Italian Chili Pepper Academy (tel. 098581130), the Municipality of Maierà (tel. 0985889102). Signs and signs will indicate the Museum with an unmistakable "logo", a Fire Red Chili Pepper placed above a Capital.
What to eat in Maierà, Calabria
From the same streets, every day, you can smell the "Scents of Our Gastronomy", where homemade pasta reigns supreme: Fusilli seasoned with goat meat sauce, ragù made from the same meat with a side of roasted peppers, washed down with an excellent glass of Maierà Red Wine, they make the typical Majeraioto menu, absolutely not to be missed!!
Furthermore, you can't miss: the “Lagane” and chickpeas with red pepper; Tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms collected in our woods; Pasta and Beans 'ndufata; the Pepi “cruschi”; soups (wild chicory, escarole) with beans; the “Grispeddre” stuffed with cod, anchovies and dried peppers (usually prepared during the Christmas period); chickens and rabbits raised in the courtyards of homes; the “Cod” with fried peppers (typical dish from the harvest of our grapes); the Black Pork (typical of our territory, now rediscovered) with all the products linked to it (sausages, sopressata, hams, capicolli, jelly... and spicy n'duja)!
The cheeses are also excellent. The typical desserts are prepared during the Christmas period (“Chinule” and “Cannaritole” seasoned with fig honey) and during the Easter period (“Pizzatole”). Excellent workmanship, the Maierà Red Wine is the result! The homemade liqueur, however, delights our palates and our guests, with Citron, Blueberry, Limoncello, Mandarinetto and others.
The ancient customs of Maierà
The human components of our population are represented by a "dialect" which originates from Greek and Latin; however it is not free from Arabic, Spanish and French terms. Exclamations, sayings and proverbs are still widespread today.
The substratum of popular "Beliefs" is to be found in Eastern and medieval cultures. Today we laugh at some, others are vividly remembered!
The "Uses" and "Customs" of our population denote ancient traditions, some of which are specific to the place, others similar to those of neighboring countries.
The Maierà festivities
- Feast of St. Joseph – 19 March
- Feast of St. Peter – 27, 28 and 29 June
- Feast of the Madonna del Carmine (patron saint holiday) – from 8 to 16 July
- Feast of San Domenico – 8 August
- Feast of Saint Lucia – 13 December
During the summer period, gastronomic evenings are held in order to promote the typical Majeraiote products, as well as events with shows and exhibitions.
How to get to Maierà
from the NORTH: Along the A3 motorway (SA-RC), exit at Lagonegro Nord, take the SS18 state road, exit at Maierà-Grisolia.
from the SOUTH: Along the A3 motorway (SA-RC) exit at Falerna, take the SS18 state road, exit Maierà-Grisolia.
