Gerace: A Journey Through Time Between History and Majesty 🏰✨

Gerace, nestled like a gem on the cliff overlooking the Locride area, is more than just a village, but a veritable open-air museum . Its millennia-long history, shaped by the Byzantines, Normans, and Aragonese, is revealed through a monumental heritage of rare beauty, earning it the nickname "the Jerusalem of Calabria." Exploring its narrow streets is an immersive experience, where every stone tells the story of an era of splendor and resilience.

The Norman Cathedral: The Sacred Heart

Gerace's most emblematic and imposing monument is undoubtedly its Cathedral. Dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, this basilica is the largest in Calabria and one of the most significant examples of Norman in Southern Italy.

• Majesty and Style: Consecrated in 1045, it is a masterpiece that blends Byzantine, Romanesque, and Norman elements. Its three-nave structure, supported by 26 marble and granite columns , many of which come from the temples of ancient Locri Epizephyrii, creates an atmosphere of solemn grandeur.
• The Crypt: Don't miss the evocative Crypt , an underground space that preserves its original layout and offers a mystical emotion, testifying to the religious foundations of the city.

Gerace Castle: Sentinel on the Cliff

On the highest peak of the village stands the majestic Norman Castle, whose origins date back to the Byzantine era and the Norman domination of Robert Guiscard. Today largely in ruins, its ruins dominate the landscape, offering breathtaking views that stretch from the Ionian Sea to the foothills of the Aspromonte mountains.

• History and Defense: A symbol of the city's military and feudal power, the castle played a crucial role in defending the territory. Walking among its collapsed walls allows one to imagine the court life and warfare strategies that once animated this place.

The Historic Center: A Labyrinth of Churches and Palaces

The urban fabric of Gerace is a monument in itself. Nicknamed the "City of a Hundred Churches," Gerace boasts extraordinary ecclesiastical and civic wealth:

• The Historic Churches: The Church of San Francesco d'Assisi , with its splendid Gothic portal, and the Church of the Sacred Heart (or San Giovanello) , of Byzantine origin and dating back to the 10th century, represent fundamental stages for understanding the cultural stratification of the city.
• The Noble Palaces: Along the cobbled streets overlook elegant noble palaces such as Palazzo Grimaldi-Serra , with its carved stone portals and flower-filled balconies, testimony to the splendour of the families who made Gerace a political and administrative centre of primary importance.
• The Porta del Sole (or the Bishops' Gate): One of the ancient access gates to the village, which marks the entrance to medieval Gerace and offers an exceptional panoramic viewpoint.

Gerace isn't just a place to see, but to experience . It's the stage for a history that resonates in every arch, every niche, and every silent crypt, inviting visitors to a profound respect for its unique legacy. Which historical monument has piqued your curiosity the most?

Gerace: Stories, Legends, and Hidden Treasures of a Unique Village

Gerace isn't simply one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy ; it's a melting pot of history and legend that manifests itself in every stone and panorama. Its location, perched on a cliff overlooking the coast, is no accident: it's the result of centuries of strategic choices and a proud identity, which have earned it unique titles and anecdotes.

 The Legend of the Sparrowhawk and the Origin of its Name

The very name Gerace embodies its founding legend. Gerace derives from the Greek Ἱέραξ ( Hierax ), meaning “Sparrowhawk” .

• The Divine Guidance: Legend has it that around 915 AD, the inhabitants of the Greek colony of Locri Epizephyrii , fleeing the ferocious Saracen raids, were guided upward by a bird of prey (a sparrowhawk) . The bird showed them the perfect spot on the cliff to found a new, impregnable city, far from the dangers of the sea. The fortress, approximately 500 meters above sea level, thus became their bastion of safety.

 The “City of a Hundred Churches” and the Byzantine Rite

Gerace has long been called the “Holy City” or the “Jerusalem of Calabria” due to its extraordinary concentration of places of worship.

• 128 Churches: It is said that the village once boasted 128 churches , a surprising number for a town of this size. Although far fewer remain today due to earthquakes and abandonment, the density of sacred architecture remains impressive.
• Coexistence of Rites: For centuries, Gerace was an important episcopal seat where the Latin Rite and the Greek-Byzantine Rite . The small Church of San Giovanello (or San Giovanni Crisostomo), of Byzantine origin (8th-11th century), is considered a precious jewel that bears witness to this dual religious soul, so much so that archaeologist Paolo Orsi proposed preserving it "under a glass bell."

 The Greco di Gerace: The Wine of the Gods

Gerace is inextricably linked to one of Italy's oldest and most prized wine treasures: Greco wine .

• Greek Roots: Although today the production regulations call it Greco di Bianco DOC , its ancestor was historically known as Greco di Gerace . It is believed that the Greco Bianco was brought to Locride by Greek colonists in the Magna Graecia era.
• Passito Wine: From these grapes we obtain a renowned passito wine , sweet, velvety and elegant, which was historically the ideal pairing for the noble Gerace pastry shop, such as the famous Rafioli di Gerace .

Gerace is, ultimately, a place where the geological nature of the rock and the hand of man have created a monumental harmony, an experience that unites history, spirituality, and the eternal call of the Mediterranean.

Gerace: Land of Proud and Visionary Spirits

Gerace, the "Borgo dello Sparviero," is not only a treasure trove of ancient architecture, but also a cradle of talents that have left a profound mark on Italian history and public consciousness. The proud beauty of the place seems to forge outstanding personalities, characterized by a strong sense of justice and an unbreakable bond with their roots.

Among the natives who have honoured Gerace with their lives and their works, one figure stands out in particular whose name is today synonymous with courage and legality .

Nicola Gratteri: The Voice of Justice

Born in Gerace in 1958, Nicola Gratteri is the magistrate and essayist who more than anyone embodies the indomitable spirit of this land. His life is an example of total dedication to the fight against organized crime, particularly the 'Ndrangheta, a battle that has made him one of Italy's most well-known and protected public figures.

• The Anti-Mafia Symbol: From his career as Deputy Prosecutor in Reggio Calabria to Public Prosecutor first in Catanzaro and then in Naples, Gratteri has coordinated landmark investigations, revealing the global ties and economic power of the 'Ndrangheta.
• Civic Engagement: His ongoing work as an essayist and popularizer makes him a crucial figure in raising awareness among young people and the public on issues of justice and legality, demonstrating with his personal story the possibility of redemption and struggle in a challenging context. Gerace is not only the place of his birth, but the root of his unwavering morality.

Other Names in the Historical Mosaic

The cultural and historical richness of Gerace has generated, over the centuries, other notable figures, who have contributed in the fields of culture and religion:

• Vincenzo Gerace (1876–1930): Poet and writer, Gerace was a prominent figure in the literary scene of his time, winning important prizes and competing with the great intellectuals of the time.
• Ecclesiastical and Historical Personalities: Having been an ancient episcopal seat of great importance, the city is linked to numerous ecclesiastics and scholars, such as the writer and art historian Tiberio Alfarano , who over the centuries have contributed to the preservation of the cultural heritage and history of Calabria.

Gerace, therefore, is much more than a medieval village: it is a forge of strong characters , a place where the rugged beauty of the landscape is reflected in the mettle of its children. Visiting Gerace means walking in the footsteps of those who, from this cliff, knew how to look far ahead.

The Essence of Tradition: Gerace's Preserved Recipes

Gerace's cuisine isn't simply a collection of ingredients, but a millennia-old tale of rural civilization, pastoralism, and Byzantine influences, encapsulated in the austere beauty of this hilltop village. The flavors are bold and authentic, born from the rugged Locride soil and from artisanal expertise passed down from generation to generation.

We present the iconic dishes that define Gerace's gastronomic identity:

Homemade Maccarruna with Mutton Ragù: The Ritual Pasta

The heart of Gerace's gastronomy beats to the rhythm of handmade pasta. "I Maccarruna di casa" aren't just simple macaroni, but large bucatini made with the traditional ferretto , an art that transforms water and flour into a symbol of hospitality and family.

Their destiny is to welcome a rich and powerful condiment: the Lamb Mutton Ragù ( Sucu di Crastagneddu ).

• The Flavor of the Mountains: Mutton (castrated male lamb), typical of inland areas, is slowly cooked for hours in a robust tomato sauce enriched with aromatic Mediterranean herbs. The result is a ragù with the perfect thickness, which seeps into the central hole of the pasta, offering an explosion of savory and unmistakable flavor in every bite.
• Finishing Touch: The dish is completed with a generous sprinkling of Ricotta Salata or aged Pecorino, enhancing the contrast between the sweetness of the pasta and the strength of the sauce and cheese.

Rafioli di Gerace: The Elegance of Wedding Tradition

Among Calabrian desserts, Rafioli di Gerace stand out for their elegance, rooted in the ceremonies of the local nobility. These aren't fried stuffed ravioli, but a refined baked biscuit that is a true Traditional Agri-Food Product (PAT) of Calabria.

• The Purity of White: These sweets often come in a rectangular shape and are entirely covered in a pure white icing , made from egg whites and sugar, which traditionally symbolized the purity of the bride at weddings.
• Citrus Aroma: The soft and fragrant dough captures the soul of the Ionian coast thanks to the generous use of lemon zest and juice . A perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making them ideal to pair with the famous Greco di Gerace , a passito wine that celebrates the area's winemaking vocation.

Peasant Cuisine: A Tribute to the Earth

Alongside the most iconic dishes, the Geracese table is full of testimonies of agricultural life, where vegetables and local products are the real protagonists:

• Soups and Minestrone: The unmissable “Pasta ca Fasola” (pasta with fresh local beans) and the tasty wild chicory , which celebrate the simplicity of the harvested product.
• The Flavours of the Sun: There is no shortage of preparations that preserve the Calabrian sun, such as dried tomatoes seasoned with garlic and mint, and second courses based on stuffed vegetables, such as stuffed courgettes and peppers , a perfect synthesis between the ingenuity and generosity of the land.

Tasting Gerace means savoring history, in every single carefully selected ingredient, a hymn to the authenticity that makes this cuisine unique in the world.