Cerchiara di Calabria
Cerchiara di Calabria: The Municipality in the Pollino National Park
Cerchiara di Calabria is a small Italian municipality located in the province of Cosenza. Its privileged position in the Pollino National Park and the presence of Calabria's highest mountain, Serra Dolcedorme, attract tourists and nature lovers from all over the world.
Physical Geography
The territory of Cerchiara di Calabria is characterized by the presence of the Caldanello stream and its deep gorges. The municipal portion also includes a part of the Raganello Gorge Nature Reserve and the summit of Mount Sparviere. The wide range of altitudes, from 8 to 2267 meters above sea level, makes it one of the most interesting municipalities from a landscape point of view in Calabria.
History
According to legend, Cerchiara had its origins in a Greek settlement around the hill of Arponion. During the Lombard domination, Cerchiara was on the southern borders of the Duchy of Benevento. In the Norman period, it became part of the county of Chiaromonte and in 1175 was ruled by the strategos Ruggero Carrano.
Symbols
The civic emblem of Cerchiara di Calabria consists of a shield cut into blue and white enriched by a band of red. In the center of the shield is depicted a deer and, in the background, the castle of the Duke of Monteleone. The municipal flag is blue.
Monuments and Places of Interest
Religious and Civil Architecture
One of the major places of interest in the area is the sanctuary of Madonna delle Armi. Built in the fifteenth century, the sanctuary replaced a pre-existing place of worship dedicated to the Madonna delle Armi, found in a cave in the area with a natural image of the Virgin.
Nature
The presence of the Pollino National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, makes Cerchiara an ideal destination for nature lovers. In addition to the gorges of the Caldanello stream and the Raganello Gorge Nature Reserve, there are numerous hiking trails and naturalistic routes known worldwide.
Conclusion
Cerchiara di Calabria is one of the most fascinating municipalities in Calabria, rich in monuments and places of interest and immersed in the natural beauty of the Pollino National Park. Its millennial history, legends, and traditions make it a perfect destination for those who want to discover the true essence of Calabria.
