Campora
The town of Campora lies on top of a limestone mountain, following a peculiar pattern by which the buildings developed around a cluster of old tower-houses. These typically medieval structures usually enclosed one open space but sometimes developed vertically on many levels. These buildings served both as dwellings and shelter for the livestock, also performing a defensive role, very important because the town did not have a castle or surrounding walls. The name Campora probably comes from the Latin words Campus orations, 'field of prayers", owing to the monastery of Italian-Greek monks who lived in the area. On the ruins of the ancient monastery now stands a church dedicated to the popular saint San Nicola di Bari. And just outside Campora’s town centre visitors can admire the 18th century Chapel of the Madonna della Neve with its beautiful painted ceilings.
