CERSOSIMO
Cersosimo is situated along the Sarmento
Valley a few kilometres from Calabria. It is immersed in the
wonderful natural setting of the Pollino National Park.
History
The village came about around the Kyr-Zosimi monastery which
was founded by Basilian Monks from the Orient who arrived
during the XI century. Its name derives from the monastery.
However, history takes us back to a previous period as demonstrated
by the remains of walls which are still visible in the City
(IV century BC). What is certain is that a Greek-Lucana Acropolis
existed on the mount dating back to the same historical period.
During the Medieval period, with a change to Norman power,
the monastery passed over to the Benedictine monks (XI century)
from Cava and subsequently, Cersosimo firstly became a fief
of the powerful Sanseverino family then of the Pignatelli.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, a period of major change
occurred in the village’s town planning. Cersosimo became
dependent on neighbouring Noepoli.
During the 18th century it entered into the territory of the
Reign of the Two Sicilies and was governed by the Bourbons
until the moment of the Unification of Italy (1861).
A visit to the City
Cersosimo conserves a Renaissance-Baroque town planning with
Medieval elements as well as more ancient, like the Greek-Lucane
walls, dating back to the IV century BC.
One can visit the following in Cersosimo: the Parrocchiale
(Parish House) (XV-XVI century), the remains of the Basilian
Monastery and those of the S. Maria of Constantinople Church.
The village is embellished by the presence of noble buildings,
among which we wish to cite Palazzo Valicenti (XVII century),
adorned with interesting carved stone portals.
The fact that Cersosimo is part of the Pollino National Park
gives the possibility of enjoying many naturalistic excursions
in panoramic spots, streams and grottoes in its surrounding
territory.
Not too far from Cersosimo, one can visit San Paolo Albanese
and San Costantino Albanese, villages which were repopulated
during the XVI century by Greek-Albanian refugees who still
today, preserve Greek ceremonies and traditions.
Place of interest
The remains of the town walls (IV century BC); archaeological
area in the Monte Castello locality (IV century BC); the remains
of the Kyr-Zosimi Basilian Monastery (XI century); Chiesa
Parrocchiale (Parish Church) (XV-XVI century); the remains
of the S. Maria of Constantinople Church; Palazzo Valicenti
(XVII century); Portals of nobiliary buildings (XVIII-XIX
century); Panoramic spots in the Castagnara and Castello localities.
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