Montalto Uffugo
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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. 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. 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.
Opera Montalto Uffugo's most famous citizen was Ruggerio Leoncavello who wrote the great opera Pagliacci. His father was a judge in Montalto Uffugo and the family spent years living in Montalto. Leoncavallo stated that he based that opera on an actual occurence in Montalto 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.
of Montalto Uffugo
Where To Write for records
Comune Ufficio di Stato Civile
Via Municipio,
CAP 87046, Montalto Uffugo (Cosenza),
Italy
A brief history
Montalto Uffugo has a long history dating back millenia. Documents regarding Montalto Uffugo date back as far as 166 BC. In antiquity, this comune was called "Aufugum". Aufugum in latin means hidden or escape. Indeed, there was reason to escape when 86 Valdesi were slaughtered and the rest of the town had to submit to new rule.
There have been many notable archeological finds here with obvious ancient Greek and Roman influences.
It was upgraded to a municipality by the powerful Roman Empire during the invasion of the Visgoths.
After the unification in 1870 "Uffugo" was added to Montalto in memory of it's history and previous name. Prior to 1870 the town was simply called Montalto. Montalto Uffugo was a religious center for the many orders of the Catholic faith. Several convents and monasteries were built there. A Norman tower is a reminder of Montalto Uffugo's long history and is evidence of the Norman occupation here.
State Civil Office
Phone: +39 984 931853
Person in charge: Giuseppina Abate
Montalto Uffugo has a current population of 17,382