Population: 1,019 (2003)
Official site: n/a
Wikipedia: n/a
Map: MapQuest

The town of Papasidero, deep within the National Park of Pollino, is famous throughout Italy for the Grotto of Romito, in which skeletal remains of "Homo-Sapient" (pre-historic) man from the Palaeolithic period were found in 1961 by Paolo Graziosi, a professor of ancient human history at the University of Florence. 

The skeletons and their place of burial inside the unusual Grotto of Romito, are different from other remains found in Europe because though, researchers had previously found skeletal remains buried individually, at Romito they found two sets of couples buried together.

The burials suggested to academics that for Homo Sapiens, the incredibly beautiful Grotto of Romito, with numerous drawings from the Paleolithic era, stalagmites and stalactites, was most-likely a holy place for humankind more than 11,000 years ago.  In addition, the Matrimonio-Sati (the burial of a couple) is confirmation of the primacy of filial partnerships between men and women from the very beginnings of human history. 

The drawings within the cave, as well as the geomorphologic works of art, are open to visitors along with replications of the skeletal figures (the real ones have been moved to Florence).  However, original prehistoric art still remains and it is truly something to see and appreciate in person because it reflects a deep instinct in mankind to create and leave our mark. "We were here!"

Visitors to the Grotto of Romito can read about and examine numerous artefacts at the excavation itself and at the Information Centre/Museum located at the entrance to the Grotto, which is open from 10AM – 4PM Monday to Saturday.

The Grotto is a short 25 minute drive from the town of Papasidero, which is a fascinating place to visit.  The name of the town comes from the  Greek "papàs Isidoros" or Father  Isidoros, who was most-likely an early religious and secular leader of this once populous Greek mountain community.  Indeed, Greek, not Italian, was spoken here until the 16^th-17^th centuries, and persists even until today in the local dialect. 

Despite the fact that Papasidero is a small village, there are more churches than there are in nearby Scalea and Praia a Mare combined.

“Il Santurario di Costantinopoli,”  nestled beside the Laos River, is one of the most interesting churches in the town.  It's a bit of a hike down to get to it, because it lies on the north side of the town, away from the road.  However, travellers will not want to miss the many intact Byzantine frescos.

The oldest church within the town is Santa Sofia, which looks from the outside to be nothing more than a shack (I know, because I passed it by several times looking for it).  However, there are signs throughout the town for this church.  The only problem a visitor to Santa Sofia might encounter is the need for a key to enter.  The key is available at most of the town's cafès, but remember these are not open from 1-5PM, so make sure to visit the town of Papasidero in the morning if you want to visit Santa Sofia. 

Papapsidero literally is a living history to pre-historic and ancient human history.  Here, ancient treasures can be found and appreciated with patience. Locals are friendly and the wine, sausages and surroundings are spectacular.  Don't let a windy road stear you away from visiting one of Italy's most praised mountain villages.