Gerace
One of the most beautiful hamlets in Italy
Gerace is an ancient hamlet nestled in the territory of the Aspromonte National Park, in the province of Reggio Calabria. It rises from the top of the sandstone cliff on which it is perched and enjoys a privileged position and an incredible view of the Ionian Sea and the territory of the Locride. Gerace has about 2600 inhabitants and is immersed in a medieval atmosphere suspended in time.
Its name of Greek origins means “sparrow” and legends say that it was a raptor who chose the location where the village would rise: Gerace boasts a hidden and sheltered position, which proved to be sufficiently strategic during the historical events that involved the city and that still allows it to keep itself off the most touristic routes and to preserve its ancient charm intact. The perfection of its churches, historical buildings and monuments and their harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape have earned the city the right to enter the list of the most beautiful hamlets in Italy.
WHAT TO SEE
Among the things not to be missed in Gerace, its castle certainly deserves a prominent place. The imposing fortified building that stands on the highest part of the city and dominates from above all the surrounding territory. Its Norman structure is still well visible, despite the numerous earthquakes that have involved this area bringing considerable damage to the majestic palace. From the area in front of the castle walls, called Baglio, you can admire fabulous views over the village of Antonimina and the homonymous valley. One of the main points of interest in Gerace, as well as a place of worship among the most important in the area, is the Cathedral of Gerace.
The Co-Cathedral Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta of Gerace, consecrated for worship in 1045, is one of the most famous Norman buildings in the region of Calabria, declared an architectural property of national interest. The Byzantine-Romanesque-Norman styles merge in it, making a pure wonder both the exterior and the wonderful interior environment with three naves. The Cathedral is not the only religious building of Gerace: the small town boasts the presence of numerous churches, as well as convents and monasteries, a feature that has earned the village of Calabria the title of “Holy City”.
Worthy of note are also the Church of San Francesco and the Church of San Giovannello as well as those of the Sacred Heart, Santa Maria di Monserrato and many others. Among the main convents, definitely suggestive are the convent of the Capuchins and that of the Minor Observants. To enjoy another panoramic point of the town, do not miss the area of Bombarde. It is a platform on which the cannons were placed to defend the coastal area, which today have become wonderful viewpoints from which to embrace with the gaze the Ionian and the lush flora that surrounds the village.
In order to completely fall in love with Gerace, there’s nothing better than to admire the cozy Piazza del Tocco on which stand Palazzo Calceopulo, Palazzo Migliaccio and Palazzo Macrì, then sneak into the charming streets of the village and go to discover a wonderful feature of Gerace, namely the caves carved in the rock of Borgo Maggiore, once home of artisans who worked clay, and still used by local artists to pass on this craft tradition.
"BORGO INCANTATO": a festival not to be missed
If you find yourself in this area of Calabria in July, you will be lucky enough to attend the “Borgo Incantato”, a street art festival that animates the streets of the city and makes it even more magical. And to enjoy the waves of the Mediterranean, a few kilometers from Gerace the always splendid sea of Calabria offers all its charm in the seaside resorts of the so-called “Costa dei Gelsomini”.
