ARENA
In the middle of the Calabrian Serre (a
mountainous and hilly area of Calabria) which divides the
Jonic and Tyrrhenian Seas, is where one will come across Arena,
a Medieval village in a panoramic position
along the Petriano torrent.
History
The village has ancient origins. It certainly existed during
the Roman era, when it assumed the name of Castrum Arenese.
It was conquered by the Normans during the XI century and
assigned to Ruggero Conclubeth (1125), son of Ruggero II.
In this period it assumed noteworthy political importance,
symbolised in the village by the imposing Castle, with some
remains which can still be visited.
The descent of the Angioinians (1266), constricted escape
by the Conclubeth family, but considering that all the feudatories
nominated by the King refused the administration of Arena,
they were soon reassigned (1299).
After long governing by the Conclubeth family, Arena passed
through marriage lineage to the Acquaviva of Aragona family
(1678). They were followed by the Dukes of Atri, who after
war broke out with Austria, had to sell the fief of Arena
to the Caracciolo family (XVIII century).
The new nobiliary inaugurated abusive politics towards the
population which soon exasperated the climate and caused grave
debts for Arena with the state treasury.
Moreover, Arena became an important centre for silk production.
A visit to the City
Arena guarantees its visitor panoramic views of rare beauty
over the Marepotamo Valleys and Tyrrhenian coasts as far as
the Eolie Islands. The area maintains an intact Medieval aspect.
The remains of the Norman Castle have been preserved, although
the castle was damaged and rebuilt numerous times due to earthquakes
(1775, 1783).
Among the noteworthy churches, we would like to cite the S.
Maria dei Latini Parochial which preserves remarkable statues
in its interior and the delle Grazie Church with its Baroque
portal from the '700s.
Place of interest
- Resti del Castello Normanno (XI sec.)
- Chiesa Matrice di Santa Maria dei Latini (XVIII sec.)
- Chiesa delle Grazie
- Visita Serra San Bruno
- Visita Soriano Calabro
Museums
- Nessun Museo segnalato
Events
- Summer in Arena, beginning in August;
- Santa Maria delle Grazie Fair on the first Thursday of August;
- San Michele Arcangelo Fair on the first Thursday and Friday
of September;
- San Rocco Fair on the first Thursday and Friday of October.
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