The Demological Museum of the Economy, Work, and Social History of Sila is located within the Florense Abbey of San Giovanni in Fiore, in the province of Cosenza in Calabria.
It is the ideal place to analyze the history of the economy, traditions, and folkloric characteristics of the Sila populations. Divided into seven sections, the exhibition path is rich in objects and tools related to agriculture, pastoralism, and shoemaking. Inside the rooms, you can admire: work tools; economies, techniques, and traditional productions; acts and documents of social history; landscape and architectural culture; ceremonial, magical, and religious culture; oral and musical culture; figurative culture and iconology.
Attached to the museum is the "Saverio Marra" photographic collection, by the photographer from San Giovanni, which consists of about 6,000 images, some on display in the museum, depicting snapshots of peasant life, a history that remains unknown to us. Photography becomes the means to communicate marriages and deaths, bankruptcies and successes, popular events. Each snapshot contains a message almost incomprehensible to those who do not speak that visual language.
The upper floor of the Museum is occupied by the premises of the International Study Center of Gioachimiti Studies. Founded in 1982, the Center is recognized for its scientific and cultural value. It deals with research, publications, and educational activities, in collaboration with universities and institutions.
Opening hours:
From September 16 to June 14: every day 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM From June 15 to September 15: every day 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Other places to explore:
- Historic center - San Giovanni in Fiore
- Sanctuary of Saint Francis of Paola - Spezzano della Sila
- Lorica and Lake Arvo - Sila National Park
