Gerace is a very ancient village located within the Aspromonte National Park, in the province of Reggio Calabria. From its streets it is possible to admire the beauty of the Ionian Sea and the Locride area, boasting a privileged position, given the high cliff on which it is perched. It boasts about 2600 inhabitants and has a medieval atmosphere that seems to block the town in a distant and very different time from our current one. A splendid sensation, to try, the result of an optimal preservation work.
Gerace history
The name Grace has Greek origins and its meaning is sparrow hawk. This derives from an ancient legend, according to which it was the bird of prey that chose the exact point where to start the work for the construction of the town. His is a strategic, sheltered and well hidden position. The ideal place to observe from above and, at the same time, not be spotted. The choice of location offered the village absolute protection in the past from pirate attacks. And from any danger coming from the coasts.
Get inspired
There are four districts into which the village is divided. These are the Borgo Maggiore, the Piana, the Borghetto and the Historic Center. Entering the city from the Porta del Sole, you can reach the beating heart of the historic center, characterized by historic buildings, alleys, squares and beautifully worked stone portals. There is certainly no shortage of religious buildings. To visit churches, convents and monasteries, which have earned the unofficial title of Holy City. Space for Church of San Francisco, Church of San Giovannello and Church of the Sacred Heart, in addition to the Cathedral.
The latter is the co-cathedral basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. It is one of the most important Norman buildings in the region. Here different styles blend: Byzantine, Romanesque and Norman. Consecrated in 1045, it was declared an architectural asset of national interest. Dominating the territory is the Castle of Gerace. Easy to reach, along the slope that passes the Arch of the Bishops. A fortification that dates back to the XNUMXth century and was destroyed by the Byzantine troops. Renovated and strengthened by the Normans in the XNUMXth century, while today there are nothing but walls and towers.
Surroundings of Gerace
About 50 km north of the town we find the village of Stylus, in fact the Byzantine capital of Calabria. Some splendid beaches on the Ionian coast are also very easy to reach. A clear example is Locri, not to be missed, which is just 6 km away. Crystal clear sea and beach composed of sand mixed with gravel. Along the Costa dei Gelsomini there are numerous beaches to choose from, all suitable for families with children. On the Costa degli Aranci, however, the Caminia beach is not to be missed.
What to eat
Gerace's cuisine is characterized by very strong flavors. It is all linked to a well-rooted peasant tradition. You can taste excellent homemade pasta with eggplant or goat sauce. The ways in which pork is prepared are different, transformed into sausages, capocollo and soppressata. Everything is flavored by the use of chilli. A bowl of dried tomatoes cannot be missing on the table. The same goes for olives in oil, aubergines, courgettes, stuffed peppers, peperonata, wild asparagus omelette and numerous soups.
Here are other typical products to taste:
- alatucia (pork rinds) with eggs
- curcudia (polenta)
- sheep's milk ricotta
- cicerata (sweet made with boiled cesi)
- rafiola
- puff pastry sammartine
- Easter sgute
Featured photo source: https://www.instagram.com/prolocogerace/
