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Visit Gerace

The town of Gerace is situated at the southern end of Italy a few kilometres inland from the ancient Greek settlement of Locri.

Locri-Gerace, on the Ionian coast, is today an important and well-equipped seaside resort, and, apart from a beautiful beach, it offers a landscape quite enjoyable in the summer months, quiet and attractive for the tourist who loves being surrounded by nature, a little away from the mass tourism.

Gerace was born as a new settlement by inhabitants from Locri in the tenth century. Over the centuries, it belonged to some great landowners: Byzantines, Normans (including Robert Guiscard in the 11th century) and the Angevin. The origins of the name Gerace are unclear: perhaps 'Sacred Mountain' or Jerax (hawk) or Aghia Kyriaki (Saint Ciriaca).

A visit to Gerace, hovering on its 500 metre high cliff puts us in touch with some artifacts of considerable value; for example, some beautiful buildings, like the Palace of Tocco, and, in Piazza Tribuna, the Norman Cathedral of Gerace (XI-XII century).

Gerace Cathedral

The Gerace cathedral was consecrated a second time in 1222 in the presence of Emperor Frederick II from Swabia It has a basilica structure, high and airy, the inside of which is divided into three aisles by twenty classical columns, with two outstanding pillars in the middle, all leading to the pool of light of the central apse.

Also worthy of mention is the mighty castle, completely protected from outside attacks because of its position on the cliffs and powerful defensive walls. Visit the beautiful Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, founded by the Counts Caracciolo (at that time the lords of Gerace), who adorned the chapel with work by the brothers Palazzotto and Antonio Amato from Messina (18th century).

Tradition and cuisine in Locri-Gerace

Locri - Gerace has held firmly to its ancient and manufacturing traditions (especially the weaving and artistic working of iron), and also to their culinary traditions. When visiting Gerace try the local cake, the 'rafioli', perhaps accompanied by a sip of 'Greek white wine' from Gerace. Travel past Roccella and Locri to Cape Spartivento, set in shady woods, to acquire some local products such as oil from Calabria (reputedly one of the best oils) or the home-made bread, the delicious local cheese or the sausages produced by very small farms.

Places to visit near Gerace

A visit to Gerace will be combined with a visit to Locri and provides an opportunity to see two different histories close together - Gerace is the medieval settlement, while locri is much more ancient. Together they form a tourist destination of considerable historical and cultural importance.