Antonimina
The history of Antonimina
It is a distinctly agricultural imprint that gives rise to the small center of Antonimina around the fifteenth century. The first traces of human settlements were in fact those of some groups of shepherds who chose this place as an ideal place to conduct their activities. The name “terrata” (sheepfold), still remembered today, is a clear testimony to this tradition. And according to popular legends, it was a pastor, Antonio Mina, who named this community. Other sources indicate instead in the Greek derivation “antònomos”, (that is rich of flowers) the current name. Over the centuries this center slowly began to socially develop, reaching a thousand inhabitants around the middle of the eighteenth century. It remained under the influence of the Grimaldi family until 1806, when it was incorporated into the district of Gerace. Not even Antonimina was spared from the fury of natural disasters, in particular, the two violent earthquakes that struck this territory in 1783 and 1908. Catastrophic events that contributed, together with the floods of the 1950s, to the progressive depopulation of the country.
WHAT TO SEE
Immersed in the green of olive trees, at the foot of the Aspromonte National Park, perfectly equidistant between the mountains and the sea, Antonimina appears to the visitor as a 
nice set of houses nestled in the Ionian hinterland.
The small and quiet village is comprised of the old town, characterised by a suggestive labirinth of narrow streets, and of the fractions “Bagni Termiali”, “San Nicola”, “Bunca”, “Solfurio”, “Tre Arie” e “Troiolo” and lastly “Cacciagrande”, the native country of the Blessed Rosella Staltari, Servant of God – Antonimina 03 March 1951 – Palermo 04 January 1974 . The young sister of Antonimina, was proclaimed “Venerable” by Pope Francis on December 28, 2020.
WHAT TO SEE
Immersed in the green of olive trees, at the foot of the Aspromonte National Park, perfectly equidistant between the mountains and the sea, Antonimina appears to the visitor as a nice set of houses nestled in the Ionian hinterland.
The small and quiet village is comprised of the old town, characterised by a suggestive labirinth of narrow streets, and of the fractions “Bagni Termiali”, “San Nicola”, “Bunca”, “Solfurio”, “Tre Arie” e “Troiolo” and lastly “Cacciagrande”, the native country of the Blessed Rosella Staltari, Servant of God – Antonimina 03 March 1951 – Palermo 04 January 1974 . The young sister of Antonimina, was proclaimed “Venerable” by Pope Francis on December 28, 2020.
MOUNT SAN PIETRO
Well visible in the distance, stands the majestic Mount San Pietro, better known as “Tre Pizzi” for its three suggestive rocky peaks. The church of San Nicola di Bari, main place of worship that has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, dates back to the XVII century. The interior, in Romanesque style, houses the statues of the Madonna del Santo Rosario, San Giuseppe and San Rocco, protector of Antonimina whose cult is celebrated on the second Sunday of August.
Other significant traces of religious architecture are represented by the ruins of an ancient convent, whose origin dates back to the XII century, used by hermit friars, near Monte Tre Pizzi in the locality of “Saramico”.
Typical Mediterranean flavours and smells identify the tasty local cuisine in which cold cuts, cheese and the ever-present pepper stand out.
If you are a mountain lover, you can combine food and excursions in the heart of the Aspromonte , together with friends of “Boschetto Fiorito” or “Visit. Antonimina Magia dell’Aspromonte”.
Activities and gastronomy in Antonimina and its surroundings
Boschetto Fiorito Association
The Boschetto Fiorito Association takes its name from the legend according to which the name of the country derives from the Greek “Antos Nemos” that translates, precisely, in “Boschetto Fiorito”.
The objectives of the Boschetto Fiorito Association are the enhancement and rediscovery of this ancient village in the Aspromonte through various forms, including widespread hospitality that transmits the true essence of the country and allows you to experience the real hamlet, in all its facets.
The association has designed several hiking trails, which start from the historic center and allow you to see the natural, historical and archaeological wonders in the Aspromonte National Park.
Among all the jewels of the Aspromonte, Tre Pizzi and Pietra Cappa but also the path “Italy” and the “path of the Brigand”, among the most beautiful hiking trails in Aspromonte.
Visit the website www.reinventingaspromonte.eu
Email: boschettofiorito@gmail.com
Phone: 347 4071165
Visit Antonimina - Magia dell'Aspromonte
Visit Antonimina – Guesthouse offers apartments and holiday homes that are located within this Aspromonte village, just 8 km away from the sea and 5 km away from the mountain, perfect location for those who love hiking in Aspromonte but do not want to give up the relaxation of our beautiful and unique Ionian Sea. Antonimina is located in the Ionian hinterland, at 327 metres above sea level, in the heart of the Eastern Aspromonte. On the right of the town stands, as eternal guardian, impetuous and solitary, the mount San Pietro called “Tre Pizzi” for the curious shape with three points. At its feet existed, as some ruins testify, a convent of Friars Hermits. As for the origins, it seems that the country was founded by a group of shepherds who, during the fifteenth century, had settled there to better guard the herds. It follows, therefore, that the main reason that led the first inhabitants of Antonimina to settle here was that of the shepherding. The town centre still retains its name “terrata” which means sheepfold in local jargon: this is the reason behing the name of the structure, located right in the heart of the village.
Visit the website www.visitantonimina.it
Phone: 345 358 6524
Email: visit.antonimina@gmail.com
"Giardino degli Aranci" Hotel
The “Giardino degli Aranci”, 3-star hotel located in Antonimina, one of the most picturesque towns of the Aspromonte (Calabria), is located in a nineteenth century palace in the center of the village.
Take a look and immerse yourself in the Calabrian culture.
Visit the website http://www.ilgiardinodegliaranci.rc.it/
Phone: 0964 312498
Email: info@ilgiardinodegliaranci.rc.it
“Do Priuri” Restaurant
Typical Calabrian cuisine, the authentic and familiar one that you expect when you arrive in Calabria. The restaurant is rustic and cozy, with a cafè on the ground floor where you will be able to find the cakes made by the family bakery and homemade ice cream, one of the strong points of the place; the hazelnut one is the one to try: creamy, soft and fragrant.
Going up to the first floor from the internal stairs you get to the rooms where you will be welcomed by Girolamo, who acts as a father figure, the Prior (the real soul of the place), who if you are lucky enough to meet, will make your stay fun and folkloristic.
In the kitchen there are the women of the family to prepare their recipes with local ingredients if not of their own production: meat comes from the family farms (pigs, sheep and goats) from which they also produce on site cheeses and meats. In the menu, there are not too many first and second courses’ proposals, but they are well executed and typical as macaroni with goat’s sauce, pappardelle with wild boar or “rigatoni ‘ntoniminara”. Among the second dishes reigns the meat, of good quality, cooked on the grill: try the butcher’s steak or the rolls of pork filled with cheese: the smell of fire is very much present and makes the dishes more interesting. Do not try to ask for baked potatoes, the Prior’s potatoes are local, cut by hand and fried with the peel. Before all this, however, it is a must to start the lunch with the appetizer of the house: a succession of dishes to share that includes cold cuts and cheeses, eggplant parmigiana, ricotta meatballs, “pipi” and potatoes, zucchini pancakes and deep-fried appetizers of the local tradition, legumes and much more. There is no shortage of pizzas: if you dare, the menu includes pizza with “peperonata”.
Phone: 0964 312031
``Il Vulcano`` Restaurant
Typical Calabrese dishes and quality products of the house. Thanks to the place where it is located, you will be able to enjoy a great view . There’s also a pizzeria with a wood oven and a chophouse.
Here you can also taste excellent pasta and appetizers. The friendly environment will make your meal more tasty and you will definitely want to come back.
The hospitable atmosphere of this place largely depends on the very efficient staff.
Antonimina, Barbaro district.
Phone: 346 410 9250
Email: r_i_v@hotmail.it
“La Tribula” Restaurant
Characteristic place located on the provincial road Locri-Antonimina, in the locality Merici of Gerace, 2Km away from the Thermal Baths of Antonimina.
Pizzeria with Calabrian flour and typical products of the area. Innovative cuisine but also typical of the area . Among the main features is the possibility to taste the Brazilian Fusion sushi .
Always driven by innovation and a constant search for excellence.
Merici Gerace District.
Phone:0964 356887
Email:tribula@blu.it
