Calabria - Gerace

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Gerace is situated in a magnificent panoramic position on a crag at 479 m asl. It is of the most interesting places in the Province of Reggio, with a rich artistic and cultural heritage.

The town, whose territory has been uninterruptedly settled since Neolithic times, as numerous finds testify, in the Greek period bound its history to that of the colony of Locri.
Under Byzantine rule then, the town, that had assumed the name Haghia Kyriakè (St. Ciriaca), acquired notable administrative and religious importance. However, Gerace reached its greatest splendour in the Norman era, after being conquered by Robert the Guiscard in the twelfth century.
Having belonged to various feudal lords, it then became an administrative centre for the surrounding area under the French and maintained that role also under the Bourbons.
After 1850 the town developed along the coast, forming a new centre; the latter changed its name in 1934 to Gerace Marina in Locri.

The town, which preserves consistent traces of its illustrious past, has kept its medieval town structure intact, with its fascinating historic centre.

The artistic heritage is of notable interest, among which should be mentioned the splendid cathedral, the remains of the castle, and various churches.

Craft traditions are very lively, above all weaving, artistic iron work, pottery and earthenware.

The gastronomy is famous, especially the sweets; finally, the rare Greek wine is highly appreciated, an amber-yellow colour with a high alcohol content, nowadays it is only produced in limited quantities.