Cariati
Welcome to Cariati: history, geography, and origin of the name
Cariati is an Italian comune located in the province of Cosenza, Calabria, with a population of 9,999 inhabitants. The town is famous for its impressive walls, a fortification that encloses the historic center for about a kilometer and is interspersed with eight ancient towers. The walls also house the Concattedrale di Cariati, which is a very popular attraction among tourists. But in addition to these visible landmarks, Cariati also has a rich history and many interesting stories that are worth knowing.
Physical geography of Cariati
Cariati is located along the Saraceni coast, on the Ionian Sea, near the mouth of the Nicà stream. The territory has an area of 28.82 square kilometers and offers a variety of landscapes ranging from beaches to the sea, to hills and high mountains.
Origins of the name of Cariati
There are several explanations for the origin of the name Cariati. One theory suggests that the name may derive from "Carina," which means grace, beautiful and graceful city. Alternatively, it could come from an original denomination "Cariatide Diana," linked to a location sacred to Diana. In the tenth century, the city was known as "Korion," which would derive from the Ancient Greek "Curuai" (inhabitants of Greek Caria). Finally, there is also a hypothesis that the city was called "Carriati" because the inhabitants were forced to move continuously to avoid the attacks of the Saracens.
History of Cariati
The Brettii (or Bruzi)
Cariati and the province of Cosenza were inhabited by the Brettii, an Italic tribe, from the 5th century BC to the 4th century BC. In the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, this territory was also frequented by these peoples, dedicated to agriculture and pastoralism. In 1978, a Brettia tomb dating back to the 4th century BC was found in an olive grove on a hill on the outskirts of the village (locality "Timpa del Salto" in contrada Prujja). The burial consists of parallelepiped sandstone blocks that enclosed a small space of about 2 m², and the body was accompanied by a rich outfit.
Roman Domination and Middle Ages
Cariati was dominated by Rome, and the city became a bishopric from the beginning of Christianity. According to some sources, in the 11th or 12th century, the diocese of Cerenza (Geruntia) was united to that of Cariati, although only in 1342 can a document be dated that explicitly mentions a "bishop of Cariati and Cerenza." During the Middle Ages, the city passed under the dominion of various lordships including the Normans, the Swabians, and the Aragonese.
Conclusions
Cariati is a city with an interesting history that dates back to the Brettii era and has seen the passage of various dominations over the centuries. The town also has an architectural heritage that includes the walls, the Concattedrale, and other tourist points of interest. If you are thinking of visiting Calabria, we recommend considering Cariati as a stop on your trip. We are sure that you will be welcomed with great hospitality by the local population and that you will not fail to find something interesting to see and do.
