SHARRYLAND
The road of the two seas - Cortale
It is the third leg, just halfway between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, in the crossing of the Isthmus of Catanzaro
Where is
This municipality is located along the road of the two seas.
Cortale, between the Serre and the isthmus of Catanzaro
The place is certainly peculiar, almost halfway between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas at the narrowest point of the peninsula, theIsthmus of Catanzaro, some thirty kilometers dividing the Gulf of Squillace from the Gulf of Sant'Eufemia, respectively. The town occupies a hill in a dominant position, having in the background the Covello and Contessa mountains, the northernmost peaks of the Serre ridge, between which the Pesipe River flows. An intact and uncommon mountain scenery, which today represents the most inviting prospect for local development.
A bit of history: important center of transit and trade
Location has played an important role in the history of the town, which was born after the year 1000 by aggregation around a Basilian monastery and grew in wealth thanks to trade transits on the road of the two seas. It will not be a coincidence, in fact, if the village acquires renown for silk processing, a complex activity that requires skills, capital and relationships far beyond the first turn of the horizon.
Why it is special: a village with a medieval physiognomy
The town has an old quarter with an evocative name, Basserughe, where 'wrinkle' stands for winding street lined with houses and workshops. In other words, an evocative tangle of alleys connected by steep stairways and covered passages, where the tuffaceous stone is expressed in all its nuances. Excitingly, the staircase of San'Anna, named after a ruined church, rewards those who climb it with a breathtaking view.
The frescoes of the Mother Church of Cortale
In the old part is the Mother Church of Santa Maria Cattolica, rebuilt in Baroque forms after the catastrophic earthquake of 1783. Crossing its threshold also makes it possible to appreciate the art of Andrea Cefaly (1827-1907), Cortale's best-known son, who was not only a painter, however, but also a leading figure in the Risorgimento and later a deputy of the Kingdom of Italy.
Holy Cross celebrations.
On the outskirts of the historic center, special mention for the church of the patron saint St. John, custodian of a relic with a fictional history, the Holy Cross, a stone artifact to which popular devotion ascribes miraculous powers; its big moment comes in early May when faithful from all over the surrounding area gather for a picturesque celebration.
The surprises are not over
Finally, in the newer Donnafiori neighborhood, a unique monument deserves attention, the Five Canals Fountain, which for several centuries has been one of the gathering places for residents. Among the specificities of the town is also a product of the earth, the Cortale bean, distinguished here in five traditional varieties, an expression of a territory evidently very conducive to this legume, with all that can follow in terms of typical dishes.
Don't miss: Cortale in summer to the rhythm of jazz
Summer in Cortale comes alive on the notes of the Jazz&Vento music festival, a wonderful opportunity to have a different experience in the village that becomes a stage.
Enter the Map of Italy's Undiscovered Wonders and find treasures where you least expect it... Inspire, Recommend, Share...
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Enter the Map of Italy's Undiscovered Wonders and find treasures where you least expect it... Inspire, Recommend, Share...
