PALIZZI: A JOURNEY BETWEEN HISTORY AND NATURE
The entrance to Palizzi Marina
The SS 106 leads directly to Palizzi Marina, an ancient port that has seen the passing of eras and which still retains the charm of the past. Described as an ideal location for ships in the 16th century, Palizzi Marina is a hidden treasure of Calabria, with a seafront that, despite its small size, maintains a lively atmosphere throughout the year.
Memories of the past
The Mozza Tower, built in 1595, is a tangible testimony of Palizzi's maritime past. Although its structure has been damaged over the years, it remains an emblematic symbol of the country and its history. The districts of Murrotto and Stracia are further historical testimonies, with names that evoke ancient legends and tales.
The Heart of Palizzi
While Palizzi Marina offers a glimpse into coastal life, the true heart of the municipality is found in Palizzi Superiore. Located at 272 m above sea level, this historic center is a hidden jewel among the Calabrian hills. The roads leading to Palizzi Superiore and Pietrapennata are a journey through lush vineyards, offering breathtaking views and a taste of the rich winemaking tradition of the Grecanica Area.
Origins of the Name
The name "Palizzi" has ancient roots and different interpretations. Some believe it comes from the Greek "politsion", a diminutive of "polis" meaning city. Others claim that it comes from "polìscin", which translated means "shady place". Both interpretations reflect Palizzi's unique and fascinating nature.
Hamlets and Localities
Palizzi is not just its historic center or its marina. The municipality is dotted with hamlets and localities, each with its own uniqueness. From Palizzi Marina to Palizzi Superiore, from Pietrapennata to Spropoli, and through the districts of Iermanata and Gruda, Palizzi offers a variety of experiences and panoramas.
Conclusion
Palizzi is a hidden treasure of Calabria, a place where history, nature and culture come together in an unforgettable experience. Whether strolling along the Palizzi Marina waterfront, exploring the lush vineyards or immersing yourself in the history of the historic centre, Palizzi offers something for every visitor.
PALIZZI: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
The Village of Fairytales
Palizzi seems to have come straight out of a storybook. With its majestic castle that dominates from the top of a cliff, a medieval village that winds at its feet and an ancient donkey saddle bridge that crosses a watercourse, the landscape of Palizzi is like a living painting that tells stories of bygone eras.
The First Traces
The first mentions of Palizzi date back to the mid-11th century, when the village was among the assets of the monastery of Sant'Angelo di Valle Tuccio. At the end of the following century, Palizzi was part of the county of Bova.
Dynastic Changes
Over the centuries, Palizzi has seen numerous changes in ownership. In 1322, the fiefdom was sold to the Ruffo family of Calabria, who owned vast territories in Southern Calabria. However, dynastic struggles between the Angevins and the Aragons led to frequent changes of hands. In 1479, the village passed to Bernardino Maldà de Cadorna, but returned to the Ruffos at the end of the 15th century.
The Castle and its Evolutions
The castle of Palizzi has undergone numerous modifications and restorations over the centuries. The Ruffos, in particular, made significant architectural changes, as evidenced by the distinctive markings on the north-eastern side of the castle. The insertion of the heraldic coat of arms at the entrance to the castle, the work of Giacomo Colonna Romano, may have been the result of a series of restorations. Over time, the castle has seen further renovations, most notably during the De Blasio period in the 18th century.
The Medieval Village
The castle, with its grandeur, dominates a village which still retains a medieval atmosphere today. The narrow alleys and steps seem to lead back in time, culminating in the main square where the Church of Sant'Anna stands.
Palizzi is a village that embodies centuries of history, traditions and changes. Every corner, every stone and every building tells a story, making Palizzi an unmissable destination for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the past and discover the riches of Calabria.
PALIZZI: A JOURNEY BETWEEN HISTORY AND NATURE
The Enchanted Village
Palizzi is a village that seems suspended in time, perched on a sandstone cliff and dominated by the imposing silhouette of its castle. The historic centre, with its unique architectural structures, oozes with history and culture. The "buildings and solarates", the catoi, the underpasses and the stairways, together with the ceramide roofs, offer a vision of an almost intact landscape, where the work of man and nature blend in perfect harmony.
The “Schiccio” Bridge
Starting the walk from the "schiccio" bridge, you can admire the ancient mill, testimony to a past in which the water of the Palizzi river was a source of life and work.
The Church of Sant'Anna
The spiritual heart of the town is the parish church of Sant'Anna. Inside, you can admire numerous sacred statues, among which the wooden sculpture of Saint Anne, commissioned in the 19th century, stands out. The marble statue of Saint Anne and the Madonna is a valuable example of Renaissance art, while the dome of the left nave testifies to the persistence of Byzantine architecture.
The Medieval Castle
Continuing through the alleys, you arrive at the medieval castle, a national monument that tells of centuries of history and dominations. Its dominant position offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding landscapes.
Palizzi Marina and Nature
The recently built seaside village of Palizzi extends along a spectacular coast, a refuge for Caretta Caretta sea turtles. Palizzi is at the center of a conservation project, Life Caretta Calabria, which aims to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitat.
Palizzi is a hidden jewel of Calabria, where history, culture and nature meet in an enveloping embrace. Every corner of the country tells a story, and every step takes the visitor on a journey through time. A place where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony, offering unforgettable experiences to those who decide to explore it.
PALIZZI IGT: THE RED WINE OF THE "CITY OF WINE"
Origins and Territory
Palizzi, located in the heart of Calabria, is a land rich in traditions and authentic flavours. One of its most precious treasures is undoubtedly red wine, recognized with the IGT (Typical Geographical Indication) brand. The territory of Palizzi, with its 52.62 km2, is characterized by an ideal climate and soil for the cultivation of vines, which grow lush and abundant here.
Characteristics of the Wine
Palizzi IGT is a generous red wine, with a full and enveloping flavour. Its structure and aromatic profile make it perfect for accompanying rich and tasty dishes. Its fame is not limited to the local area, but extends throughout the region, where it is appreciated for its organoleptic qualities and its ability to enhance the flavors of traditional cuisine.
Gastronomic pairings
This wine goes perfectly with roasts and traditional dishes of the area, in particular those based on sauces and goat and pork meat. It is also ideal with stews, game and well-matured cheeses, where its structure and character blend with the intense and decisive flavors of these foods, creating a harmony of tastes and aromas.
Tasting in the Catoi
One of the most fascinating aspects of Palizzi's wine culture is the possibility of tasting wine in the characteristic "catoi", ancient cellars dug into the rock. These places, witnesses of a centuries-old winemaking tradition, offer a unique and authentic atmosphere, where wine can be appreciated in its purest essence.
Palizzi is not just a "city of wine", but a place where the passion for viticulture and the love for the land come together in a glass of red wine, an authentic expression of a territory and its people. Palizzi IGT is an invitation to discover and taste the authentic food and wine traditions of Calabria.