Serrastretta Explained

Serrastretta
Official Name:Comune di Serrastretta
Coordinates:39.0167°N 40°W
Province: (CZ)
Frazioni:Accaria, Angoli, Migliuso, Cancello, Nocelle, Viterale, Forestella, Polidonti,San Michele
Mayor:Felice Maria Molinaro
Area Total Km2:41.65
Population Total:3207
Population As Of:31 December 2013
Population Demonym:Serrastrettesi
Elevation M:840
Saint:San Gaetano
Postal Code:88040
Area Code:0968

Serrastretta is a town and comune in the province of Catanzaro in the Calabria region of southern Italy.

The town is bordered by Amato, Decollatura, Feroleto Antico, Lamezia Terme, Miglierina, Pianopoli, Platania and San Pietro Apostolo.

History

Serrastretta was founded by Jewish refugees fleeing the Inquisition[1] and was historically home to a notable Jewish community.[2] Several families of Ukrainian Jewish refugees were invited into the town in 2022, in hope to help restore the remaining Jewish presence in Serrastretta.[3]

The Ner Tamid del Sud shul is the only operating synagogue in Calabria.[4]

Economy

Serrastretta is a center of production of furniture, kitchens, door-frames, casings and furnishings of every kind. Above all are the woven-straw chairs, for which Serrastretta is considered to be one of the main Calabrese producers. The chair makers continue to construct chairs as in the past - a frame made of wood, to which the women expertly apply the woven straw seats with a special bush "vuda", coming from the plants in the marshlands.

In the territory of Serrastretta also porcini mushrooms are found, particularly in areas where chestnut trees grow. There is also a museum devoted to the singer Dalida, whose parents originally came from Serrastretta.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Forgotten Jews of Southern Italy – Accenti Magazine . 2022-07-20 . en-US.
  2. Web site: Primack . Karen . 2008 . Rabbi Aiello Making a Difference in Italy's South . 2022-07-20 . Kulanu . en-US.
  3. Web site: D'Emilio . Frances . US rabbi revives Italian hamlet by restoring Jewish roots, bringing Ukraine refugees . 2022-07-20 . www.timesofisrael.com . en-US.
  4. Web site: Serrastretta - jewish heritage, history, synagogues, museums, areas and sites to visit . 2022-07-20 . JGuide Europe . en.