STRONGOLI

Strongoli is the heir of ancient Petelia. It overlooks the Valle del Neto, not too far from Crotone and the Jonic coasts of Calabria.

History

Legend has its foundation by Filottete (XII century BC), a mythical Greek warrior who besieged Troy and was a comrade-in-arms to Hercules.

What is certain, as mentioned by the Roman historian Strabone (I century AD), is that Petelia was a Lucani centre and part of the orbit of the powerful Crotone (IV century BC) which was taken by the Bretti (III century BC) who fortified it; they were shepherds who were once slaves of the Lucani.

Following the Pirro Wars (280-275 BC), which saw the Bretti as allies, it entered into the orbit of Rome and became a confederate city. It later demonstrated its loyalty by resisting a long besiegement by the Carthaginians (208 BC) with the help of the Bretti who after storming it, governed once more.

Petelia then returned under Rome after the end of the conflict with the Carthaginians (Battle of Zama, 18th October 202 BC) and was awarded for its loyalty to Republic by receiving the title of City and the possibility of minting its own coins.

During the Imperial era, the centre lost importance. It was only following the Greek-Gothic War (535-553 AD) when it fought against the Ostrogoths and Byzantines, that it once again acquired prestige as Emperor Giustiniano (VI century) decided to construct a circular Castle (Strongylos) on top of the Acropolises.

During the High Medieval period (X century), the centre was besieged and taken by the Saracens, who governed for some years until it was reconquered by the Byzantines.

The new centre experienced Norman domination (1080-1194) and Swabian (1194-1269) before passing hands to the Angioinians (1269), under whom it was entrusted to the Sanseverino family (1349) who governed under 1390, when it passed to Marquis Nicolò Ruffo of Crotone.
In the XV century, Strongoli returned under Sanseverino (1349) administration until it was acquired by Giovan Battista Campitello for 70.000 ducats (1605).
The Pignatelli (1767) succeeded the Campitelli family and ruled until the end of feudalism (1806). During the French-Bourbon clash, Strongoli remained loyal to the first and for this reason, was besieged and plundered by the French (1806).

A visit to the City

The Castle dominates the suburb. It was founded in 550 and destroyed during the era of Saracen incursions (IX century). It was reconstructed by the Normans (XI century) and also has Swedish (XI century) additions. From here, one can admire a beautiful panorama overlooking the Valle del Neto.

In the ancient and elevated part of Strongoli, one can visit the San Pietro and Paolo Cathedral (XVI century), which preserves its Romanesque planning and canvases from the '700s in its interior.

The nearby S. Maria delle Grazie Church (1496-98), was recently restored (2004) and presents a Neo-Classic façade encompassing the clock tower to the left.

The S. Maria della Sanità Church, a 17th century construction built on a pre-existing hospital, completes the visit to cult buildings.

Place of interest

- Castello
- Cattedrale dei Santi Pietro e Paolo (XVI sec.)
- Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie
- Chiesa S. Maria della Sanità detta dell’Ospedale (1618)
- Chiesa del già convento dei Francescani
- Resti del Convento dei Capuccini
- Sepolcri di età imperiale (I e II sec. d.C.)
- Pietra del Tesauro o sepolcro di Marcello
- Pietra della battaglia
- Torre dell'orologio
- Palazzo Giunti
- Santuario della Beata Vergine Maria di Vergadoro
- Vallata del Fiume Neto

Museums

- Nessun Museo segnalato

Events

- Sagra delle Frittule
- Sagra della capra bollita

STRONGOLI
Art City

Calabria region of Italy
 

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