The Arberesh, or Christian Albanian communities in Italy, trace their origins to a large wave of emigration that took place between the 15th and 18th centuries. This migration, primarily driven by the Ottoman conquest of Albania and the subsequent fall of its legendary leader Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, led many Albanians to seek refuge in southern Italy. The establishment of these Arberesh settlements marked the beginning of a long-standing Albanian presence in Italy, which continues to this day.

The first significant Albanian military presence in Italy occurred in 1448 when Dhimiter Reres, a trusted commander under Skanderbeg, was called upon by Alfonso I of Aragon, the King of Naples, to aid in conflicts in the region of Calabria. In recognition of their military service, Reres and his Albanian soldiers were granted lands, leading to the establishment of Albanian communities in both Calabria and Sicily. Reres’ sons, Gjergj and Vasil, further expanded Albanian settlements in the provinces of Agrigento, Catania, and Palermo in Sicily. This marked the beginning of a significant and enduring presence of Albanians in the region.

The emigration continued to intensify after the death of Skanderbeg in 1468. His death marked a turning point in Albania’s resistance against the Ottoman Empire, and the subsequent fall of Kruja, the capital of Skanderbeg’s defense, in 1478 led to a mass exodus of Albanians to Italy. Many of Skanderbeg’s soldiers and their families fled across the Adriatic Sea, joining earlier Albanian settlers. This wave of refugees established new Arberesh communities in Apulia, Calabria, and Molise, founding towns such as Campomarino, Casalvecchio di Puglia, and Santa Croce di Magliano.

By the early 16th century, the flow of Albanian immigrants had grown so large that the Albanian presence became firmly established across several Italian regions. Entire villages, particularly in Calabria, were founded and populated by Albanians who preserved their language, customs, and Byzantine-rite Christian faith. Notable towns such as San Demetrio Corone, Spezzano Albanese, and Santa Sofia d’Epiro were built and sustained by the Arberesh, who created a distinct Albanian identity within Italy that endured for generations.

Culturally and religiously, the Arberesh faced significant challenges in maintaining their traditions, particularly their Byzantine-rite Christianity. The Roman Catholic Church, which dominated Italy, exerted considerable pressure on these Albanian immigrants to adopt the Latin rite. Despite these pressures, the Arberesh steadfastly preserved their Byzantine traditions. Latinization efforts, including mixing the Latin and Byzantine liturgies, were resisted by many of the Arberesh communities, but the threat of forced assimilation loomed.

A significant turning point came in the 18th century when Pope Clement XI, himself of Albanian descent, recognized the importance of protecting the cultural and religious identity of the Arberesh. He worked to support their right to practice the Byzantine rite and established the College of Saint Athanasius in Rome in 1732 to train priests in the Byzantine liturgical tradition. This effort was further supported by subsequent popes, including Pope Clement XII, who provided funds and resources for the establishment of a Byzantine bishopric in Calabria. This bishop was granted full authority to oversee the Byzantine churches and clergy, providing much-needed protection for the religious practices of the Arberesh.

Despite these advancements, tension remained between the Arberesh and the Latin Catholic hierarchy, particularly in areas where local bishops sought to impose Latin practices on the Albanian communities. Nevertheless, the formal recognition of the Byzantine rite by the Vatican in the 17th and 18th centuries was a critical victory for the Arberesh, allowing them to maintain their distinct liturgical practices.

Over time, additional measures were taken to secure the cultural and religious independence of the Arberesh. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Vatican further solidified the position of the Arberesh within the Catholic Church. In 1919, during the papacy of Benedict XV, the diocese of Lungro in Calabria was officially established to serve the Byzantine-rite Arberesh communities. Later, in 1937, Pius XI established the diocese of Piana degli Albanesi in Sicily. These dioceses were critical in preserving the Arberesh’s unique religious identity and providing them with dedicated bishops who understood and respected their Byzantine traditions.

In addition to religious support, the Arberesh communities also benefited from broader Italian recognition of their cultural heritage. The Italian government and academic institutions took an interest in documenting and preserving Arberesh history, language, and culture. Arberesh literature, folklore, and traditions were recorded and celebrated as part of Italy’s diverse cultural tapestry.

The Arberesh identity, however, was not confined to religious or cultural practices alone. They also played a role in Italian military and political life. Some Arberesh joined the Spanish and Venetian armies, where their military prowess was highly regarded. Albanian cavalry units, known as the “Stratioti,” were famed for their bravery and played a prominent role in European conflicts.

The influence of the Arberesh extended beyond Italy. Pope Clement XI, the most notable Arberesh figure, had a deep connection to his Albanian roots and worked actively to unify Christianity in his ancestral homeland. He convened the “First Albanian National Council” in 1703, which sought to bring about reforms in the Catholic Church in Albania and promote cooperation between the Catholic and Orthodox communities. Although his efforts were not entirely successful, they demonstrated the Arberesh’s ongoing concern for the fate of Albania and the broader Christian world.

Through centuries of migration, struggle, and adaptation, the Arberesh managed to preserve their distinct identity within Italy. Their story is one of resilience, as they maintained their Albanian language, Byzantine religious practices, and cultural traditions despite being far from their original homeland. The Arberesh continue to thrive in Italy today, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Albanian people. Their communities remain active in Calabria, Sicily, and other parts of Italy, where they celebrate their heritage and contribute to the rich mosaic of Italian culture.