The name Maierà comes from the Hebrew toponym, M’arà, and means cave, (precisely because of the presence of natural cavities throughout the territory), it is a municipality of about 1,300 souls in the province of Cosenza, Calabria.
It is known as a Small Village of the Upper Tyrrhenian Coast of Cosenza and, due to its characteristic location, rests on “Slides” (Rocks), in a charming historical-natural setting, at 360 meters above sea level: the village is separated from the nearby and opposite village of Grisolia, by the “Valley of the Mills”, where from the Old Square, one can still admire what remains of the same Stone Mills, once at the center of Our Economy.
A popular legend tells that Maierà and Grisolia were separated by the will of God to put an end to the dispute that arose between a young man from Maierà and a young man from Grisolia, over the love for the same girl from Grisolia!
The narrow alleys of the Historic Center preserve several works of modern art, murals, and ceramic works curated by different artists (some of whom are Japanese artists…), bearing witness to the past that meets modernity. In this regard, the Living Ceramics Project was conceived and realized.
Monuments and Churches of Maiorà
Imposing and beautiful to see, is the “Porta Grande or della Terra”, once the entrance to the ancient village. Nearby was the “Guardiola” from where, night and day, the Community was guarded.
Of notable value is the ”Mother Church of Santa Maria del Piano”, always in the Historic Center of Maierà, built by order of Carlo I d’Angiò, in 1534: the same, under Alfonso di Loria, underwent a total transformation, in fact where the entrance was, the main altar was placed. It was expanded, as the baron had purchased ‘some rows of Houses’. On the Facade, he had reproduced his and his wife’s coat of arms, still well preserved, although it has lost the original colors. Dedicated to Santa Maria del Piano, its feast is celebrated on July 2nd. Of historical importance is the “Grotta di San Domenico”: they are natural cavities and partly excavated by man. They were the dwelling of a Community of Basilian Monks.
Located within the Municipal territory, other Churches:
- Chapel of Madonna del Carmelo: a small Church built a short distance from the Historic Center. 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 a Carbonara, one of the oldest Basilian abbeys on the Tyrrhenian coast. Inside it is possible to admire the Altar and the wooden Crucifix, works of 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 features a semicylindrical apse.
- Remains of the Basilian chapel of San Giacomo: only a few ruins remain, identifiable in the perimeter walls and the niche of the saint. They are remains of the presence of Basilian Monks.
- Remains of the Church of San Nicola.
Refined is the Via Crucis installed in Vrasi, with precious and delicate majolica, created by a local artist. Not to be missed is the “Sculpture Park”, also in Vrasi, with installations of stone sculptures made by a local artist. Interesting is the Expo Zona Sud space, which over the years hosts exhibitions and meetings with nationally and internationally renowned artists and intellectuals: with this initiative it reaffirms and emphasizes its role as an important space for cultural proposals in the Riviera dei Cedri area.
The Chili Pepper Museum of Maierà
The Chili Pepper Museum (the only one 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 Academy of Chili Pepper chaired by Prof. Enzo Monaco and supported by the Municipal Administration of Maierà, just a few km from Diamante (Cs), where the “Chili Pepper Festival” is held 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 entrance fee per person is € 1.00 as a contribution to its maintenance.
- A Museum to tell six thousand years of history.
- A place to showcase art, objects, and advertising inspired by the “little devil”.
- An essential reference for lovers of spicy perfumes and flavors.
The testimony and memory of a great love for Calabria that has made it a symbol of its cultural identity
It has various exhibition rooms, specifically:
- The Chili Pepper Way: Six thousand years of travels around the world told through maps, photographs, drawings, and historical testimonies;
- The plant, perfumes and flavors: an overview of the varieties cultivated worldwide cataloged by Prof. Massimo Biagi in collaboration with the University of Pisa;
- The Advertising and Everyday Fantasy Section: inside it 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, bath foam, lighters, paintings, and advertising posters;
- The Satire Section with the “Cartoons in the Ring” born from the spicy intuition of the famous cartoonist Gianfranco Passpartout, plus the absolute novelty with the “Walt Disney Pic” Collection made with the art of pyrography by Mrs. Fiorella;
- The Ceramics & Chili Pepper Section featuring the Pepita Cup which rules, an engaging, curious and stimulating cup.
Another curiosity is the Miniature Nativity Scene Pic made by the Tiscione family from San Gregorio Armeno (Na), the homeland of nativity scenes.
- The Kamasutra Section with a collection of paintings made by Francesco Cirillo, as well as an interesting piece called “Chili Pepper Spray” created by Emiliano Cirillo with spray cans used for some Murals in Diamante.
Inside it is located a marble work portraying the Twinning between the Chili Pepper of Diamante and the Sicilian Tomato of Villalba;
- The Pic Guests in Maierà;
- The Painting Room and TV projection of the Chili Pepper Supply Chain and Festival Images;
- The Book Room;
- The Companies & Gastronomy Section with the display of products that are produced, processed and marketed by them.
Inside you can find spicy gadgets and products to taste and gift. The Museum is open from June 15 to September 15 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Also during the “Chili Pepper Festival”, held every year in Diamante (Cs), from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Groups and Parties can arrange the days and times of visits on any other day by calling the Italian Academy of Chili Pepper (tel. 098581130), or the Municipality of Maierà (tel. 0985889102). Signs and signals 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 very same alleys, every day, you can smell the “Aromas of Our Gastronomy,” where homemade pasta takes center stage: Fusilli seasoned with Goat Meat Sauce, the ragù made from the same meat accompanied by Roasted Peppers, washed down with an excellent glass of Maierà Red Wine, make up the typical Maierà menu, absolutely not to be missed!!
Also not to be missed are: “Lagane” and Chickpeas with red pepper; Tagliatelle with porcini mushrooms picked in our woods; Pasta e Fagioli ‘ndufata; “Cruschi” Peppers; Soups (made with wild chicory, escarole) with beans; “Grispeddre” stuffed with cod, anchovies, and dried peppers (usually prepared during the Christmas season); Chickens and Rabbits raised in home courtyards; “Baccalà” with fried peppers (a typical dish from the grape harvest); the Black Pig (typical of our area, now rediscovered) with all products related to it (sausages, sopressata, hams, capicollo, jelly… and spicy ’nduja)!
Excellent cheeses as well. Typical sweets are prepared in the Christmas period (“Chinule” and “Cannaritole” seasoned with Fig Honey) and during Easter (“Pizzatole”). The Maierà Red Wine is of excellent craftsmanship! Homemade liqueurs delight our palates and those of our guests, with Cedro, Blueberry, Limoncello, Mandarinetto, and others.
The ancient customs of Maierà
The human components of Our population are represented by a “Dialect” that originates from Greek and Latin; however, it is not free from Arabic, Spanish, and French terms. Exclamations, sayings, and proverbs are still very common today.
The substrate of popular “Beliefs” must be sought in Eastern and medieval cultures. Today some are laughed at, while others are fondly remembered!
The “Uses” and “Customs” of Our population denote ancient Traditions, some of which are native to the place, others similar to those of neighboring countries.
The Festivals of Maierà
- Feast of Saint Joseph – March 19
- Feast of Saint Peter – June 27, 28, and 29
- Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (patronal feast) – from July 8 to 16
- Feast of Saint Dominic – August 8
- Feast of Saint Lucy – December 13
During the summer period, Gastronomic Evenings are held to promote Maierà’s local specialties, as well as Events with Shows and Exhibitions.
How to get to Maierà
from NORTH: Take the A3 Highway (SA-RC) exit at Lagonegro Nord, follow the State Road SS18, exit Maierà-Grisolia.
from SOUTH: Take the A3 Highway (SA-RC) exit at Falerna, follow the State Road SS18, exit Maierà-Grisolia.
