BADOLATO
Situated on a hill a few kilometres from the Jonic Coast,
is where one will find Badolato, a Medieval
village noted for its oil and wine production.
History
Badolato came about under the wishes of Robert Guiscard
(1080), who had a fortified Castle built here.
The Angioinians gave the fief to Filippo (1269), who in turn
quickly engaged in war with Count Ruffo of Catanzaro (1270).
The inhabitants, locked up in the village, were besieged by
Ruffo, who eventually managed to conquer and keep Badolato,
as result of his lineage, until 1451.
It subsequently became the property of the Toraldo Barony
(1454), who also participated in the Battle of Lepanto (1571)
and who administered it until 1596.
Badolato then passed hands to the following families: Ravaschieri(1596),
Pinelli (1692) and finally the Pignatelli of Belmonte (1779),
who ruled it until the end of feudalism (1806).
Throughout its history, Badolato was gravely damaged by earthquakes
(1640, 1659 and 1783) and also hit in more recent eras by
flooding (1951).
A visit to the City
Badolato still shows its ancient Medieval history in the
remains of its walls and offers the visitor an evocative visit
accompanied by stupendous panoramic glimpses.
The S. Andrea Avellino Church preserves a beautiful marble
altar (1730), whilst the Santa Caterina Church guards a tablet
depicting the Madonna with Child (XV-XVI century).
The Italo-Greek Sanità small Church is also noteworthy
in the Sant'Isidoro district.
Nothing remains of the ancient Norman castle but in the village
one can visit the ruins of the Ravaschieri Castle, from a
more recent era.
One can reach the Jonic Sea easily from Badolato and enjoy
the seaside touristic locality of Badolato Marina.
Place of interest
- Chiesa di S. Andrea Avellino
- Resti delle mura medievali
- Chiesa di S. Caterina
- Chiesetta della Sanità
- Chiesa del Rosario
- Chiesa di S. Maria degli Angeli
- Chiesa della Sanità
- Resti del Castello dei Ravaschieri (XVII sec.)
Museums
- Nessun Museo segnalato
Events
- The Badolato Carnival;
- Easter;
- Strabadolato Road Race in August;
- Feast of Santa Caterina on 25th November.
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