Polistena

Polistena
Comune
Comune di Polistena
Polistena

Location of Polistena in Italy

Coordinates: 38°24′N 16°4′E / 38.400°N 16.067°E / 38.400; 16.067Coordinates: 38°24′N 16°4′E / 38.400°N 16.067°E / 38.400; 16.067
Country Italy
Region Calabria
Province / Metropolitan city Reggio Calabria (RC)
Frazioni Primogenito
Government
 • Mayor Michele Tripodi (PdCI)
Area
 • Total 11.7 km2 (4.5 sq mi)
Elevation 254 m (833 ft)
Population (30 November 2013)[1]
 • Total 10,719
 • Density 920/km2 (2,400/sq mi)
Demonym(s) Polistenesi
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code 89024
Dialing code 0966
Patron saint Maria Vergine
Saint day July 17
Website Official website

Polistena (Greek: Polyxene, Polysthene) is a comune (municipality) in the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria in the Italian region Calabria, located about 70 kilometres (43 mi) southwest of Catanzaro and about 50 kilometres (31 mi) northeast of Reggio Calabria.

Polistena borders the following municipalities: Anoia, Cinquefrondi, Cittanova, Melicucco, San Giorgio Morgeto.

History

Of uncertain historical origins, Polistena territory was inhabited since prehistoric times. From the remains found, it appears to be the territory of transit of the Locresi during their ancestral migration. A village with the modern name is mentioned for the first time in the 13th century AD.

In 1783 Polistena was devastated by a violent earthquake, that razed to the ground most of the city and killed more than 2,000 people. The city was rebuilt quickly, basing on a design by Neapolitan architect Pompeo Schiantarelli, creating an urban center in the upper part of the city.

Main sights

The Monument to the Fallen (Monumento ai Caduti) is located in Piazza del Popolo, and was sculpted by Francesco Jerace. The Palazzo Avati is located in the same square. In its facade is a portal where there is an Apotropaica mask.

Twin towns — Sister cities

Polistena is twinned with:

People

References

  1. ↑ All demographics and other statistics from the Italian statistical institute (Istat)
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