Montalto Uffugo

Overview

Montalto Uffugo is located in Cosenza Province in the northern portion of Calabria. Surrounded by mountains, Montalto Uffugo is fairly large by village standards. It is the second largest city in Cosenza Province. The largest is the city of Cosenza. This is the villiage of my Grandfather, Giuseppe Napolitano. Vintage Montalto My Grandfather was born (in 1892) and raised in the Parantoro section of Montalto Uffugo. In reseraching my family in the official state civil records, I have learned that the family was spread over several sections and hamlets of Montalto Uffugo - not just the Parantoro section. Close family also resided in Vaccarizzo and elsewhere. The records also gave up some family who died in nearby villages of Paola, San Benedetto Ullano, San Fili, South America and of course, America. The community seems very proud of it's long history and heritage. It is an old city even by Italian standards and the oldest Church in Montalto Uffugo - Madonna Della Serra was built in 1227. It's baroque architecture and beauty are the pride of the comune. It was reconstructed in the 1500's. Montalto Uffugo's most famous citizen was Ruggerio Leoncavello who wrote the great opera Pagliacci. Leoncavallo stated that he based that opera on an actual occurence in the town when he was a child involving a clown and a murder. Today, the town is still very proud of Leoncavello and hosts an annual opera competition in his name. Unlike much of Calabria, Montalto Uffugo enjoyed a comfortable life with lush farmlands, steady trades, nobility, castles, religious centers and growth ensuring jobs. Over the last century they have enjoyed a steadily rising population rather than a declining population. In 2001 the population boasted 17,382 residents. In 1901 the population was 6,991. Still, much of the younger generations have moved north seeking education and work.

Villages, Hamlets and Sections Of Montalto Uffugo

Names

Montalto Uffugo has many sections, villiages and hamlets. At one time, some may have been their own towns. They are listed on another page here. Click the link below to go there.

Villages