Perhaps not everyone knows that Calabria has a history deeply connected with the ancient Arbëresh (Albanian) culture that still lives on through the centuries. These communities, at the end of the 15th century, arrived on Calabrian soil to escape Turkish persecution.
They mainly occupied the territories that the Albanian leader Giorgio Castriota had obtained from Alfonso of Aragon, and here they created new centres perfectly integrated into the territory, which are still present today.
Over time, the Arbëresh culture has been passed on in its customs, traditions and traditions both to its own descendants and to the inhabitants of neighbouring countries, in a continuous exchange of experiences and cultures that survives.
Civita is a village founded by these ancient communities, and the Arbëresh Ethnic Museum illustrates their values, history and material and immaterial culture.
The museum is in the main square of the village of Civita, in a historic building that formerly housed the Town Hall. It was established in 1989 to house artefacts and objects of various categories (costumes, peasant tools, images of the Byzantine liturgy, photographic evidence, etc.) related to the Arbëresh culture and its ancient origins that go back to the pastoral and peasant world.
The aim of the museum is to tell the visitor the story that this population has had to face in order to establish itself as a community. A history that was not always easy, but rich in spirituality, values and traditions that have been carefully preserved.
The museum presents an exhibition route divided into thematic rooms that develop a dual narrative: one dedicated to the city of Civita and the other to the different areas of Albania. One of the most evocative rooms is undoubtedly the Hall of Totems, which houses two tall wrought-iron structures resembling two trees with branches to leaf through: one shows the story of the leader George Castriota Skanderbeg, the other photographs of the Devil's Bridge, one of Civita's symbols. A great deal of attention is also paid to traditional costumes: both women's (gala, half-festive and daily) and men's costumes are on display. These costumes are still worn by the inhabitants of the village, especially during religious festivals, such as Easter Tuesday. On this occasion, music, a pivotal element of Arbëresh culture, accompanies folk dances and moments of prayer, creating moments of joy and intense identity sharing.
In addition, the museum houses a library dedicated to texts on ethnic Albanians, thanks to which it is possible to learn about this culture in a complete and comprehensive manner.
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