It is rich in history and an important tourist center. It became a village of solid spirituality and culture with 128 churches. Today, it houses only 17, but each of them preserves priceless values of authentic and rare beauty... #tuttitaly
Immersed between the Serre and Aspromonte mountains, Gerace is an ancient city that stands out for its enchanting beauty. Its artistic treasures, including churches and palaces, harmoniously blend with the landscape of silver olive trees and the Ionian Sea that can be glimpsed on the horizon.
Tourist attractions
Walking through the narrow streets, small squares, and arches of Gerace, one can admire an incredible concentration of artworks. Every corner holds surprises and beautiful views, such as the Moorish mullioned windows of the "Casa Catalana" or the pottery workshops carved into the rock in the Borgo district.
Gerace's most significant monuments can be visited by following one's instincts and being guided by the emotions they evoke. The Cathedral, one of the jewels of the South, has a tumultuous history of renovations, style changes, and natural disasters. Inside, three large aisles are separated by marble columns from the temples of Magna Graecia.
The Church of San Francesco, with its magnificent high altar and elaborate triumphal arch, is an explosion of splendor.
However, the rest of the building is a superb example of Gothic architecture from 1252, with an Arab-Norman portal. Next to the church stood a convent, of which only the well and part of the abbey remain.
The Church of San Giovannello, a small medieval building from the 10th century, conveys a sense of austere spirituality with its single nave.
The Convent of the Capuchins, built in the 16th century, covers an area of 1200 square meters. Its baroque facade, dating back to 1722, and the handcrafted altars from 1720 are of extraordinary beauty.
On the other hand, the Church of Santa Maria del Mastro testifies to the influence of Greek culture in Gerace, with a Greek inscription dating back to 1084. This magnificent Byzantine-origin building was constructed after the consolidation of Norman power.
Unfortunately, the Castle of Gerace is now in ruins, but it can still be reached by climbing from the Church of San Francesco or the side streets of the Cathedral. Built by the Byzantines in the 10th century, the castle was surrounded by imposing fortifications that embraced the entire cliff. However, the earthquake of 1783 caused its collapse.
Local products
In addition to its historical and artistic wonders, Gerace also offers gastronomic delights. The most famous wine in the area is the legendary Greco di Gerace, a liqueur wine made from Greco grapes. With its amber color, this wine is produced in Bianco, about twenty kilometers from Gerace. Furthermore, the region is renowned for its high-quality olive oil, although it is made in limited quantities.
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