STILO
Situated on the slopes of Mount Consolino
in a panoramic position overlooking the Jonio is where one
will come across Stilo immersed in the Ferdinandea
territory characterised by beech and fir forests.
History
Its name derives from the Greek stylos, that is column, with
reference to the name Stilida, which was a rest station along
Via Consolare Aquilia that united Reggio to Taranto.
Archaeological testimony has been found on its territory,
dating back to the Bronze Age and the Magno-Greek era.
Stilo's true and proper foundation is connected to the time
of displacement and subsequent settlement of people from the
countryside to cities at the beginning of Saracen incursions
along the coasts (IX century).
The inhabitants who escaped from Stilida found a community
of Basilian monks and hermits already settled there, who lived
and preached in the grottoes of Mount Consolino.
The Byzantines built The Cattolica Church by re-utilising
stones from Kaulonia, the S. Nicola Da Tolentino Church and
the defensive walls.
It seems it was an Arab ally against Emperor Ottone II (982).
In 1072, the City was taken by the Normans who built the Duomo
and the Castle on top of the mount which then became part
of the Royal Estate, allowing Stilo privileges which it also
kept under the Swabians (1194-1266).
Stilo was fortified once more after being conquered by the
Angioinians (1266).
Carlo V tried to sell Stilo (1540) to find the necessary funds
to oppose Turkish power, but the citizens rebelled and paid
the sum asked by the King themselves.
A terrible earthquake in 1783 brought heavy damages to the
City.
A visit to the City
There are some important Castle ruins that one can visit:
the S. Maria d'Ognissanti Duomo with its imposing 14th century
portal.
But the true architectural queen of Stilo is La Cattolica.
It was founded during the X century by its inhabitants who
had recently arrived from the coast. It contains five emergent
domes attached to the cubic body of the building and Byzantine
frescoes in its interior.
One can also visit the following churches in the suburb: S.
Giovanni Terestí, S. Domenico and S. Francesco.
Not too far from Stilo, it's possible to visit the Ferdinandea,
the S. Maria della Stella Grotta and the S. Giovanni Vecchio
Monastery.
Place of interest
- La Cattolica (X sec.)
- Duomo di S. Maria d'Ognissanti (XII sec.)
- Resti del Castello Normanno
- Chiesa di S. Francesco
- Chiesa di San Giovanni Terestí
- Chiesa di S. Domenico (XVII sec.)
- La Ferdinandea
- Siti di Civilta Rupestre (VII-VIII sec.)
- Grotta Santuario di S. Maria della Stella
- Monastero di S. Giovanni Vecchio (IX o X sec.)
- Fontana della Mangiatorella
- Sito Archeologico di Kaulon
- Visita di Monasterace
- Visita di Stignano
- Visita di Guardavalle
- Visita di Bivongi
Museums
- Nessun Museo segnalato
Events
- Palio di Ribusa
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