Gerace It is the city that in October of 2005 welcomed us Latinas Fellows we arrived for, In addition to participating in the Master of Valuation of architectural and environmental goods, learn from within, a town, your culture, their people, his story. In my case, It was of great emotion since it had arrived again in Italy, country of origin from my part of my roots.
Gerace It is a neighboring city to Reggio Calabria In southern Italy. It is 470
meters above sea level. Such position offers unmissable and incredible views of cities and landscape that surround it. Also the path that leads to its historic center based on the city of Locri. Which is at your feet, It allows us to enjoy a valuable landscape. That journey is part of knowing Gerace, a city of great importance in medieval times that has managed to preserve its trace and architecture through the times and that deserves the PEN to be visited, Tour and enjoyed.
His name could come from the Greek word Jerax, What does Gavilán mean, for having been a bird of that species who, before an attack by the Saracenos, He guided his residents in the 10th century. But, According to archaeological studies, findings have been made that indicate that it has been inhabited from the Neolithic. Next to the eighth century ac, The population would have mixed with Greek colonies that came from the Locride.
Other theories about his name indicate that Gerace is due to an old Byzantine name Aghia kiriaki (Santa Ciriaca). The first testimony of the new name given to the city for the Byzantines dates from the 6th century DC, When the Bishop Crisófore after his participation of the Nicea Ecumenical Council, defines itself as an obynic of Santa Ciriaca.
In the fifteenth century the city was totally fortified due to the successive attacks of the Arabs. Later falls into the hands of the agarians, But quickly is Byzantine. With the arrival of the Normans the city continues to have its role as the capital city.
Later, Gerace falls under the occupation of the Aragonese, becomes a fief and is declared “CITY REGIA”, Ciudad Real. In the fourteenth century it becomes a county and with the return of the Aragonese it will be a marquee. In the 16th century he will have his first prince. When the French abolished feudalism in 1806, Gerace becomes capital of the district. In the nineteenth century it was founded under Gerace and on the sea “Gerace Marina” that will later be called Locri, There the entire administration will be transferred leaving Gerace as a representative center.
Over the years, The city suffered a deterioration, But in the middle of the twentieth century its historic center was revalued and the city again charged impulse conserving its architectural heritage.
In Gerace you can experience a medieval city, where remains of old fortification are preserved. Its Normando Castle is an important milestone in the city today, Having been the center of a principality.
We could qualify it as a religious city due to the number of churches that at some point were in the area. In Byzantine era it was also administrative center, military and clear this religious.
Although we could question which exactly is the trace of its land axes (Cardo) From north to south and celestial (Decumanus) of is to wake, We can distinguish in the city of Gerace characteristics of a medieval city either by its architecture as for the layout and route of its streets, the common spaces and their places that have surely changed their function over time but have always been a meeting point, either commercial, acting as forums, military, religious the social.
Gerace is a city to enjoy it, To travel calmly and where it is worth stopping along the route to appreciate details in the architecture of its buildings that will be surprised. The walks are especially pleasant especially in spring and summer, When architectural wealth is even more beautified with the color of vegetation.
This tour of Gerace will continue… There is much to see, know and count still….