SANTA SEVERINA
The ancient suburb of Santa Severina, is
situated in a beautiful panoramic position
overlooking the Neto Valley, not too distance from the Jonic
coasts near to Crotone.
History
The centre was founded by the Enotrians and during the Magno-Greek
era, it was cited by the name of Siberene (V century BC) by
Ecateo di Mileto. The name was then probably changed to Severiana
during Roman times and then to Severina.
Under the Byzantines it acquired more strategic importance
by becoming a Kástron in defence of the territory (VIII
century AD), which however, didn’t stop it been besieged
and taken by the Saracens (840), then in ‘866, it had
to succumb to Byzantine troops commanded by General Niceforo
Foca.
Santa Severina remained in the Eastern Roman Empire until
1076, the year in which it was taken by the Normans of Robert
Guiscard after two years of besiegement.
Under the Normans, construction of the new Castle began and
the changeover from Greek to Latin rituals.
With the advent of the Angioinians (1269), a decision was
made to construct the Cathedral (1274-95).
In the XV century, under Aragonese domination, an Albanese
community came to Santa Severina in escape from Turkish persecution.
A visit to the City
A visit to Santa Severina is accompanied by incredible panoramic
views overlooking the Neto Valley.
Noteworthy urban and architectonic elements remain in testimony
to the past. The Grecia and Ludea districts tell of the presence
of the Byzantines and Jews (until 1510).
The Castle, among the most beautiful in Calabria, is situated
in the main square with its square keep (donjon) crowned by
four cylindrical towers. Digs have brought to light some Byzantine,
Roman and Greek material, therefore unveiling the urban importance
of the place during various eras.
In comparison with the Castle, one can admire the S. Anastasia
Cathedral (1274-95), reconstructed in 1705. It preserves its
original portal. The Baptistry is adjacent to it (VIII-IX
century), with its 13th century portal; one of the oldest
monuments of Calabria.
Among the other noteworthy religious buildings, we would like
to point out: the Santa Filomena Church (XI-XII century) and
the Addolorata Church, which encompasses architectonic elements
from the ancient Cathedral (1036) of Santa Severina.
Place of interest
- Castello Normanno (XI sec.)
- Cattedrale di S. Anastasia (1274-95)
- Chiesa dell'Addolorata ('700 su edificio del 1036)
- Chiesa di Santa Filomena (XI sec.)
- Chiesa dell'Ospedale
- Visita di Scandale
- Visita di Petilia Policastro
- Visita di Belcastro
- Visita di Mesoraca
Museums
- Museo Diocesano
- Museo Archeologico - Castello
- Centro Documentazioni e Studi castelli e Fortificazioni
di Calabria - Castello
- Centro di cultura orientale LALEO - Castello
Events
- Nessun Evento segnalato
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