Castelsilano, Calabria - Nestled in the heart of Calabria, the picturesque town of Castelsilano offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. While often overlooked by tourists, Castelsilano holds a hidden gem within its historic center: the Arca of Giovanni Girimonte.
Giovanni Girimonte is the artist of this lesser-known masterpiece. He was born in this bucolic town in 1930 and dedicated his life crafting with intricate detail and a profound sense of artistry. The Arca is a testament to the region's rich artistic tradition.
It is the wish of the community to make this museum the fulcrum of its culture, tourism and art. For this reason, a series of events are going to be promoted thanks to the financial aid of the European Union’s project NextGeneration EU,where towns close to Castelsilano like Santa Severina and Caccuri are found in this massive project as well, so to enhance the territory and the beauty of these places where one can find castles, pieces of art, history and nature. These are great examples of what Italy encapsulates in its country.
As well known, Calabria, the "toe" of Italy, is a region renowned for its rugged beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Calabria boasts pristine beaches, ranging from secluded coves to bustling resorts. The crystal-clear waters and sandy shores offer perfect spots for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The region is home to the Apennine Mountains, which provide stunning landscapes with hiking trails, ski slopes, waterfalls, and ancient forests. Not to forget the Aspromonte National Park, with its peaks and valleys, is a popular destination for nature lovers. The Calabrian coastline is characterized by dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and picturesque fishing villages. The Tyrrhenian Sea on the west and the Ionian Sea on the east offer breathtaking views. Furthermore, Calabria has a rich history dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. In fact, it is possible to explore the ruins of Greek colonies like Locri Epizephyrii and Kroton the home of the great mathematician Pitagora as the Roman city of Vibo Valentia. Charming medieval villages perched on hillsides, such as Tropea, Scilla, and Gerace are found. These towns offer narrow cobbled streets, historic buildings, and panoramic views. As our small but joyous Castelsilano, where one can experience the vibrant culture of Calabria through its music, dance, and cuisine and enjoy traditional folk festivals, taste delicious local dishes, and learn about the region's customs.
The Calabrian people are known for their warm and welcoming nature. They are always ready to share their traditions, stories, and delicious flavors. Calabria offers a slower pace of life compared to other regions. It is a hidden gem in Southern Italy, where natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality blend.
It is this beauty that can be seen through Girimonte’s art where his style can be linked to an impressionist movement. The latter is seen by his capturing of the ever-changing effects of light on his subjects, often painting outdoors to observe the natural world in real-time. He depicts ordinary scenes of daily life, such as people enjoying leisure activities or landscapes. Here color plays a crucial role as in Impressionist works, which used to convey emotion and create a sense of atmosphere.
Nevertheless, the first Symposium of Sculpture Giovanni Girimonte has been held to promote the Arca in August 2024 by the Mayor, his members of staff and a group of specialists: the president of the association For Calabria Antonio Oliverio, the lawyer Vincenzo Marano, and Mr. Giuseppe Scalise who has been present here and during many other of these events which promote the territory . These have introduced the wish and the following steps of the project.
A Forgotten Masterpiece
For many years, the Arca of Giovanni Girimonte has remained largely unknown, hidden away within the confines of a deep natural landscape. The first interview with our artist was held by the famous Anthropologist Professor Vitoteti in the 1970s, he was looking for street artists and how they were linked to their territory, especially parts that have been forgotten.
Furthermore, it is recalled that at the beginning of 1990s a troupe of Enzo Biagini from the news adnkronos, a famous Italian newspaper, was one of the first of which interviewed our artist before he had finished his work of art, during this interview the artist promised to finish the Arca very soon.
It is today, instead, thanks to a dedicated group of individuals, passionate about preserving Castelsilano's cultural heritage, who have embarked on a mission to bring this forgotten masterpiece to light. Possibly through a series of initiatives, including guided tours, educational programs, and community outreach, the local museum is working to raise awareness of the Arca and its significance. By engaging the younger generation, the museum aims to foster a sense of pride in their local heritage and inspire a new appreciation for the arts.
A Work of Art
The Arca di Giovanni Girimonte is a marvel of craftsmanship. It is a group of artworks carved and painted from single blocks of wood to painting canvases that depict biblical scenes, landscapes and much more showcasing the intricate details of the figures and the surrounding landscape.
The artist's skill is evident in the delicate carving of the drapery, the expressive faces of the characters, and the overall sense of movement and dynamism. All this is held in a marvelous masterpiece of architecture that adds the color blue of the Ionian Sea to the emerald green of the Sila mountains. This iconic structure, which was created by the master of art Girimonte, makes the visitor dip into the unique history and legends of this surrounding nature. This massive structure represents the biblical epics showing the fascinating creativity and artistry of its inventor and this is already sensed by the sculptures and paintings that are found in the garden at the entrance of the structure.
Some sculptors have collaborated in being part of the project by creating three sculptures that will be added to the entrance of the Arca.
As the Arca of Giovanni Girimonte gains recognition, it is hoped that it will become a must-see destination for visitors to Castelsilano and Calabria. By preserving this cultural treasure and sharing its beauty with the world, the members of this initiative are ensuring that the legacy of Giovanni Girimonte will continue to inspire and captivate future generations.
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