Rodio. Sacredness of history and traditions
Rodio is a small medieval village about 7 km away from Pisciotta, at 350 m above sealevel. It is embedded among gentle hills and rougher peaks covered with chestnut groves. This hamlet conserves even more its antique roots influencing every cultural and social aspect of daily life.
It seems that the inhabitants of Velia (Elea) after having left their town, settled here in about the 9th century b. C. The history of this village is similar to most of the medieval villages. They changed many feudatories along the centuries. But then there is something special in the history of Rodio. Till the middle of the 18th century it was under the jurisdiction of the order of the Knights of Malta, defenders of Christianity and protectors of pilgrims. It seems that its name derives from Rodi, the isle which was the seat of this order.
The small village boasts numerous Christian testimonials like the Sanctuary of S; Agnello Abate, patron of the village and promoter of unborn life. Then you can visit the chapels of S. Antonio and of the Madonna del Carmine. Furthermore, there are some remains of small churches, nearly invisible. Looking at an ancient map of the village of 1626, you can discover other three chapels, one was dedicated to Archangel S. Michael, along the road leading to Pisciotta, one was on top of the village and dedicated to S. Sofia and the last one was the chapel of S. Maria degli Angeli below the village.
Entering Rodio, beyond the chapel of S. Antonio you pass under a portal of the 19th century and you are right in the centre of the village, Piazza Vittoria. Our attention, however, is immediately captured by the Sanctuary of Sant’Agnello Abate. It was built in 1400 and restyled various times through the ages. It’s got a polychromatic facade and there are various paintings of local artists of the 19th century. The bell tower is of great interest because it starts with a square shape, then rises in a belfry surmounted by a spire of octagonal base and forms an “onion bulb”, typical of the Baroque style.
In front of the church among other stone buildings, you find another important building: the baronial Mansion, heirs of the Landulfo family, the last lords of this village. It goes back to 1600 and is now being restored. From a distance you can admire the medieval tower and its characteristical brackets.
Just like the hamlet of Pisciotta, go for a walk through the alleys of Rodio and discover ancient fountains, stone portals with torch holders and authentic doors. They are testimonials of a community being proud of its roots. During the hot summer days, take a walk up to Rodio at sunset and enjoy an interlude of fresh air!