San Luca, Mountain commune in Reggio Calabria, Italy
San Luca is a commune located on the eastern slopes of the Aspromonte mountains at about 250 meters elevation, near the Bonamico river valley. The municipality covers roughly 104 square kilometers and sits west of Reggio Calabria.
The settlement was founded in 1592 when refugees from the flood-destroyed town of Potamia established a new community under Prince Sigismund Loffredo's direction. This founding marked the beginning of stable settlement in the mountainous region.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Polsi shapes the religious life of the area and draws pilgrims from across southern Calabria. The chapel and its surroundings serve as a gathering place where people connect with longstanding local traditions.
The area is accessible by road connections to Reggio Calabria and offers access to walking trails through the mountainous landscape. Visitors should be prepared for hilly terrain and changeable weather, bringing appropriate gear for outdoor activities.
Lake Costantino formed after a 1973 flood and created natural paths that environmental groups now maintain for walking. This lake is a visible reminder of how nature reshaped the area following a natural disaster.
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