ROSARNO

Not too far from the Tyrrhenian coasts of the Gioia Tauro Gulf is where one will come across Rosarno, situated on the summit of a hill in a beautiful panoramic position.

History

The centre of Medma sprung up between the end of the VII and beginning of VI centuries BC, work of the inhabitants of Locri, who, in full expansionistic phase, searched for new land to dedicate to agriculture. For this reason, the headed towards the Tyrrhenian coasts and founded new centres (Medma and Hipponion, the present day Vibo Valentia).
Medma was then at the flanks of Locri and Hipponion during the clash against Crotone, which was resolved in favour of the first with the Battle of Sagra (560-550 BC).

Medma later became an ally of Hipponion in a clash against Locri, probably to obtain its independence (422 BC).

Dionigi the Vecchio (Old) of Siracusa conquered Medma and deported its inhabitants to Zancle, the present day Messina (389 BC). Shortly afterwards however, Medma was able to mint its own currency, a sign of renewed importance among the Magno-Greek cities.

Medma was abandoned during the era of the Second Punic War.

The present day centre of Rosarno, sprung up during the Byzantine era and appeared for the first time in history in a document in 1037.

Under the Angioinians, the suburb became fief of Giovanni Ruffo of Catanzaro (1305) and ended up as a matrimonial dowry given to Antonio Centelles (1439). These, rebellious against the Aragonese, lost the fief which then became absorbed into the possessions of the Corona family (1463).

Following the numerous changes of ownership, Rosarno was given to the Pignatelli family who ruled it until the end of feudalism (1806).

The 1783 earthquake completely destroyed Rosarno, changing its architectonic appearance forever .

In 1799, Rosarno was taken by the French troops of Bonaparte and liberated from them by Cardinal Ruffo, who was loyal to the Bourbons.

During the ‘800s, Rosarno experienced the brigandage phenomenon first hand.

A visit to the City

A visit to Rosarno is accompanied by beautiful panoramic views along the coasts and overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

In the suburb, one should visit the San Giovani Battista Duomo which preserves a beautiful canvas depicting the Holy Family (XVI century) and the Purgatorio Church with its beautiful wooden crucifix (XVII century).
However, the buildings have been heavily adjusted following the earthquakes which threatened their stability.

Place of interest

- Chiesa Matrice di San Giovanni Battista
- Chiesa di San Domenico (1526)
- Chiesa dell’Immacolata
- Chiesa del Purgatorio
- Chiesa dell’Addolorata
- La Torre dell’Orologio (1812)
- Scavi Archeologici di Medma
- Visita di Nicotera
- Visita di Polistena
- Visita di Tropea
- Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte

Museums

- Scavi Archeologici di Medma

Events

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