Bova

Seen as the capital of Greek culture in Calabria, Bova keeps the old Griko language alive in its lanes, high on the eastern slope of Aspromonte at 915 metres. Its founders came up from the coast to escape raids from the sea; a ruined Norman castle on the summit now gives wide views. At Byzantine Easter, olive branches are woven into life-size human figures and carried through the streets.

Highlights

• The ruined Norman castle, with views and the 'lovers' grotto' passage
• Byzantine Easter, with life-size figures woven from olive branches
• Paleariza, a summer festival of the music and dance of Greek Calabria
• The FS 740 steam locomotive at the entrance, honouring Bova's railwaymen
• The Sentiero della civiltà contadina, showing old millstones and farm tools

Summary based on Wikipedia and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA), written with AI assistance.