Philadelphia: like a phoenix rising from its ashes, the new Enlightenment town

Located in the central area of Calabria, in a predominantly hilly area, called Piano della Gorna, Filadelfia is a municipality in the province of Vibo Valentia. The name, as well as the plan of the city, are inspired by the American town, at the behest of the Enlightenment bishop who in 1783 ordered its construction on the same lands devastated by a terrible earthquake that razed the ancient village of Castelmonardo to the ground. The central square is dedicated to the bishop Serrao, and on it there are the four main churches: Church of San Francesco di Paola, decorated in Baroque style Church of San Teodoro Church of Santa Barbara Church of Madonna del Carmine, richly frescoed and enriched of fine stucco. Another important place of worship is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, located in the hamlet of Montesoro. The remains of the ancient town of Castelmonardo are preserved in the civic museum of the town. In particular, the ceramics that help to reconstruct the uses and customs of the time. A way also to make young people understand how the transition from one town to another took place. Very tied to the religious tradition, the events and processions related to Easter are many and attract faithful even from neighboring countries.