Varapodio

Varapodio
Greek: Varapodion
Comune di Varapodio
Varapodio
Location of Varapodio in Italy
Varapodio
Varapodio (Calabria)
Coordinates: 38°19′N 15°59′E / 38.317°N 15.983°E / 38.317; 15.983
CountryItaly
RegionCalabria
Metropolitan cityReggio Calabria (RC)
Government
 • MayorOrlando Fazzolari
Area
 • Total
29.0 km2 (11.2 sq mi)
Elevation
208 m (682 ft)
Population
 (31 May 2010)
 • Total
2,243
 • Density77.3/km2 (200/sq mi)
DemonymVarapodiesi
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
89010
Dialing code0966
Patron saintSt. Nicholas of Bari, Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Saint dayDecember 6 and November 16
WebsiteOfficial website

Varapodio (Calabrian: Marrapòdi; Greek: Bαραποδιον, romanizedVarapodion) is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Reggio Calabria in the southern Italian region Calabria, located about 80 kilometres (50 mi) southwest of Catanzaro and about 35 kilometres (22 mi) northeast of Reggio Calabria.

Varapodio, 20 kilometres (12 mi) from the coast of Gioia Tauro, is one of the towns on the plains of Gioia Tauro. It borders the following municipalities: Ciminà, Molochio, Oppido Mamertina, Platì, Taurianova, Terranova Sappo Minulio.

A strong historical connection exists between the Calabrian town of Varapodio and the rural Victorian community of Cobram. Beginning in the late 19th century, and accelerating after the Second World War, many families from Varapodio migrated to Cobram, drawn by opportunities in agriculture along the Murray River. Over time, these settlers and their descendants established a vibrant Italo-Australian community, helping to shape Cobram’s cultural and social life. The influence of Varapodio remains evident in local traditions, family networks, and community institutions, leading some to affectionately describe Cobram as a ‘Little Varapodio.’”