The best cycling routes around Gasperina

The Norman Castle of Squillace The Castle of Squillace dominates the village from the highest point of the hill. It was built by the Normans in the second half of the 11th century, at the end of their campaign to conquer Calabria against the Byzantines, who had occupied the region and southern Italy in general for over five centuries. During the Norman period, Squillace was the most important administrative, political, and religious stronghold on the Ionian coast. It was here that Ruggero d'Altavilla donated the lands where the Charterhouse of Serra San Bruno was built to San Bruno di Colonia. The Norman period was certainly the most important for Squillace, which experienced a period of great political-administrative, economic, and religious fervor. The early 13th century is fundamental to the history of Squillace: during this period, the settlement was first enfeoffed under a count and under the rule of a castellan. Under Frederick II, to whom we probably owe the construction of the polygonal tower on the eastern side of the enclosure, the Castrum Squillacii was held by a castellanus non habens terram and ten servients. The situation appears to have been the same in the Angevin era. From 1256 onwards, the castle was occupied by various families: the Lancia, the Monfort, the Del Balzo, and the Marzano, until 1485, when the castle returned to the direct control of Frederick of Aragon, the future King of Naples. In 1494, the castle passed through marriage to the Borgia family, whose marble coat of arms dominates the entrance portal. The Borgias, a very important noble family of Castilian origin, moved to Italy in the 12th century, where they settled in Florence, Perugia, Siena, Rome, and Naples. The marriage established the alliance between Pope Alexander VI and Pope John Paul II. Borgia and Alfonso II of Aragon: Goffredo Borgia, brother of the much more famous Lucrezia, just 13 years old, and Sancha of Aragon, the king's natural daughter, are married. The Borgia family ruled the castle until 1729, when, due to a lack of heirs, it again became part of the royal domain. Squillace was downgraded to Marchesato in 1755 and passed into the hands of the De Gregorio family, who held the castle until 1783, when a violent earthquake shook and destroyed the entire village. Text / Source: il Uoghi di Cassiodoro http://www.iluoghidicassiodoro.it/i-musei/il-castello-normanno-di-squillace/

Norman Castle of Squillace Norman Castle of Squillace The Norman Castle Squillace Castle dominates the panorama from the highest point of the medieval town, watching over the settlement and its surroundings. It was built by the Normans in the second half of the 11th century, at the end of their successful campaign of conquest in Calabria against the Byzantines, who had occupied southern Italy for over five centuries. The Norman period is certainly the most important for Squillace, which experienced a period of great political-administrative, economic, and religious fervor. The walls define the outline of the town, clearly visible from the serpentine roads leading from the beach to the upper part. From inside, there is a spectacular view of the town and the entire gulf. Despite the earthquake that struck Calabria and Squillace in 1783, the castle's structure, its stonework, and the embossed portal bearing the Borgia coat of arms are still clearly visible. The rooms of the small castle museum are very interesting: In the so-called "Warrior's Hall," among various other historical finds, the skeletons of two warriors from the 13th/14th century, discovered during an excavation campaign by the Ecole Française, are on display. Text / Source: turiscalabria.it http://www.turiscalabria.it/website/?lang=de&categoria=/wo/kusten/grune-flagge/&view_type=s&id=189&title=squillace.html

Santicelli Botanical Garden, Soverato The Santicelli Botanical Garden, Soverato With its magnificent view of the Ionian Sea, the garden is home to typical species of the native Mediterranean scrub and exotic species, totaling more than 1,000 specimens. Anti-aircraft emplacements from World War II can also be seen inside; the area was actually used as a sentry post. Text / Source: Terre Ioniche Ionian Calabria https://www.terreioniche.it/place/soverato/visit/it#0

Giardino Botanico Santicelli, Soverato Santicelli Botanical Garden in Soverato: A Green Oasis to Explore The Santicelli Botanical Garden is an enchanting natural setting in the town of Soverato, on the hills above the Gulf of Squillace in Calabria. With breathtaking sea views, this botanical garden is a must-visit for plant lovers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers seeking peace and beauty. Its privileged location, approximately 50 meters above sea level, provides an ideal climate for a wide variety of Mediterranean flora as well as carefully selected exotic species. The Santicelli Botanical Garden is not only a place of exceptional biodiversity but also a center for scientific education and dissemination. Educational trails guide visitors through the over 56,000 square meter garden, where they can admire over a thousand plant specimens. The garden is designed to be accessible and inclusive, allowing everyone, including visitors with disabilities, to explore and enjoy the wonders of nature without barriers. In addition to its botanical richness and unparalleled scenic beauty, the Santicelli Botanical Garden represents an important green space for the Soverato region. It is an oasis of tranquility that promotes awareness of plant species typical of the Mediterranean climate, contributes to the preservation of local biodiversity, and offers an exceptional stopover in the heart of Calabria. Text / Source: Calabria Tourism Editorial Team https://www.turismocalabria.net/blog/giardino-botanico-santicelli-a-soverato-unoasi-verde-da-esplorare/

Statue of Our Lady of Sorrows, Soverato From the City Hall – September 15, 2017 Salita Beato Michele Rua, 88068 Soverato

Soverato Dolci, Corso Umberto I, Soverato Italian cuisine can be ordered at this cafe. You might enjoy the tasty monkfish, well-prepared broth, and perfectly prepared arancini. The excellent biscotti, cannoli, and delicious croissants are especially must-order options. Soverato Dolci is very easy to find thanks to its great location. Many visitors order particularly good sherry, good wine, or tasty herbal liqueur. This place will offer you particularly good macchiato, good cappuccino, or tasty lemonade. Many people find the staff at this restaurant patient. You'll be pleased with the relaxed service. The atmosphere in this restaurant is pleasant. This cafe has received 4.5 stars on Google based on visitor reviews. Text / Source: Soverato Dolci, Corso Umberto I, Soverato https://de.restaurantguru.com/Soverato-dolci-Soverato-Marina

Chiesa del Rosario, Soverato The Church of the Rosary The church, commemorated by the plaque at the main entrance, was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century at the behest of the Marquis Scoppa. The Neo-Gothic church, also known as the Church of the Assumption of Mary, was built in the Neo-Gothic style. Text / Source: Terreioniche.it https://www.terreioniche.it/place/soverato/visit/it#0

Statue of the Madonna, Piazza Maria Ausiliatrice, Soverato Consecration of the City of Soverato To Mary Help of Christians, May 24, 2000 Marian Year 1954