 |
|
|
|
|
Gerace
lies on a sea-fossil hill, 470 m above sea level. Its
position is really enchanting because it lies between the seacoast and
mountains, contry side. |
 |
|
The origin of its name is Greek “IERAX” (sparrow hawk) but it is also believed it may be a Byzantine name “Aghiakiriaki” (St. Cyryac). |
|
|
|
The
most ancient archeological findings date back to the middle neolit age
(5000 years b. C.). |
|
In
the tenth century b. C., the village was inabited by native people, the
“Sicilians” who left interesting remains in a rich necropolis. The
place continued being inabited even when, at the end of the 8th
century b. C., the Greeks, coming from Locres Opunzia, founded the town of
Locri Epizephiri. |
|
During
the Roman Empire,
Gerace became a garrison, and as it increased in stature and size it became a city of nobility, this rock became a garison, got more and became a
country, marquisate and in 16th century, a principality. |
|
| Following
the end main town of the districth. That lasted till the end of the last
century when, because of logistic requirements, Gerace Marina, now called
Locri, was founded at time most are important public offices were moved to
the new town on the seacoast. Today, Gerace is a charming town, welcome lots of tourist and scholars from all over the world, where an international festival, cultural events and folk festivals are arranged. |
|
|
An exquisite cathedral, which dates back to the 11 th century, the Byzanthine churche of St. Giovanni Crisostomo, St. Francesco of Assisi and lots of baroque churches (around 20), its palaces and caste are the evidence of its greatness |
