GUARDAVALLE
On the eastern slope of Serre Calabre, is
where one will find Guardavalle, an agricultural
centre not too distant from the Ionian coast.
History
The village developed during the IX century by the hands
of the inhabitants of coastal centres who were escaping from
Saracen incursions.
Its name immediately uncovers the function
the new centre had to assume.
However, the danger was repeated the same during the XVI century
when the Turks attacked Guardavalle (1555, 1569).
It is the birthplace of scholar and Cardinal, Guglielmo Sirleto,
who managed to benefit Guardavalle with a tax exemption for
ten years after damage suffered by the Turkish attack.
In 1799, it became a autonomous municipality.
A visit to the City
One should visit the S. Agazio Mother Church with its portal
dating back to the '700s and a 17th century crucifix in its
interior. Some remains of the S. Carlo Borromeo Church and
that of S. Caterina, complete the picture of cult buildings.
Among the nobiliary buildings, Palazzo Sirleto and Palazzo
Falleti stand out.
There are also some lookout and defence towers present in
Guardavalle, which were built during the XVI century.
One can visit the Kaulonia archaeological site along the coast.
Place of interest
- Palazzo Sirleto
- Ruderi della Torre Toscano
- Casa Spedalieri
- Palazzo Falletti
- Palazzo Salerno
- Chiesa Matrice di S. Agazio
- Chiesa di S. Caterina
- Resti della Chiesa di S. Carlo Borromeo
- Torre Cavallara
- Torre Giordano
- Resti della Chiesa di S. Paolo
- Visita a Kaulonia
- Visita a Stilo
- Visita a Badolato
Museums
- Museo Pietrarotta
Events
- Carnevale
- Processioni del Venerdì Santo
- Festa di S. Agazio il 7 maggio
- Festa della Madonna del Carmine la domenica dopo il 16 luglio
- Festa di S. Maria degli Angeli il 7 agosto
- Festa di S. Maria dell’Assunta il 15 agosto
- Festa di S. Rocco la domenica dopo l'Assunta
- Festa della Madonna del Rosario la 1° domenica di ottobre
- Festa di S. Caterina il 25 novembre
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