Monteleone

Monteleone stands on a height above the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria, near the site of ancient Hipponion. Its churches and castle overlook the slopes and routes leading towards the sea. A Dominican convent founded in 1455 was enlarged under the Pignatelli family in 1543, adding to the religious buildings of the town.

The earthquakes of 1783 damaged Monteleone and devastated much of southern Calabria. The king appointed Francesco Pignatelli as vicar with extraordinary powers to organize relief and reconstruction. He established his headquarters near the town, receiving reports from officials and physicians sent to the stricken settlements. The emergency required shelter for survivors and the restoration of damaged roads. Monteleone thus became a centre from which the response to the disaster was directed.