San Fili
San Fili is located in Cosenza Province south of Montalto Uffugo. It currently has a population of 2,568 people. Like most of Calabria it's population has seriously declined. In 1911 the population of San Fili was over 5,000. The population seemed to peak around 1921 with 5,155 citizens but by 1931 it's population had decreased to 3,609 citizens. San Fili is 550 meters above sea level The people in San Fili are called Sanfilesi. The town is surrounded by old chestnut trees and at one time those chestnuts were a huge export business. The town also has many fresh water springs which have furnished the town with an abundant supply of water. Other resources include figs, hazelnuts and other fruit and vegetable crops. The breeding of silk worms has been done here with much success for hundreds of years. San Fili sustained much damage as a result of the earthquake of 1905.
Read about the earthquake here.
At one time San Fili's hamlet of Bucita was under the jurisdiction of Montalto Uffugo. San Fili became it's own comune first around 1807 then control of Bucita was handed over to the Comune of San Fili around 1816.
Many people from Montalto Uffugo moved to San Fili. In the late 1800's one of the Napolitano's from Montalto Uffugo opened a grocery store in San Fili. I know my grandfather used to bring their wine to that store to sell on their donkey. It was owned by relatives, but I have not quite figured out who yet.
Churches Of San Fili
The primary church or "mother church" in San Fili is Chiesa dell' Annunziata. It is centuries old and has been declared a national monument. Other churches are:
- La Chiesa del Ritiro
- Chiesa Del Spirito Santo
- Sant' Antonio Abate
- Chiesa di Carmine
- Chiesa dell' Immacolata Concezione
Other Information
During World War I 52 men who were born in San Fili died. Some died of disease and some died in battles. A list of those soldiers who died during World War I can be found here
More coming Soon!