Steccato di Cutro
Steccato di Cutro: a millenary history
Steccato di Cutro is a picturesque hamlet of Cutro, a town located on the Ionian Sea coast in Calabria. According to the renowned historian Andrea Pesavento, Steccato was known in the past as Torre Tacina and was part of the heritage of the Isola diocese. Apparently, the lands of Steccato and San Leonardo were under the direct control of the bishopric of Isola Capo Rizzuto since 1100 AD.
There are no precise data regarding the founding date of the site, but it is known that San Luca of Isola Capo Rizzuto, the first bishop of the diocese, managed the lands of Steccato and San Leonardo. Traces of the first settlements can be observed in the small monastery of San Leonardo di Cutro, founded by Greek-Basilian monks, and in the topography of Steccato.
A disputed territory
The territory of Steccato then passed to the Caracciolo family, to the De Nobili family of Catanzaro, and to the Doria family, which had the title of "barons of Tacina and Massanova". Later, the Barracco family obtained ownership of the lands of Steccato, together with the adjacent territory of San Leonardo di Cutro. The transfer was due to a debt contracted by the former with the latter. The ownership of the various Barracco barons lasted until 1950, when the Sila Development Opera confiscated the lands of the barons, reclaimed the swampy area, and returned it to the new farmers. Today, numerous farmhouses scattered throughout the territory testify to that era.
Modern urban planning
Modern urban planning of both Steccato di Cutro and San Leonardo di Cutro was commissioned by the "Sila Development Opera" to the Turinese architect Giovanni Astengo between 1952 and 1955.
The tragedy of 2023
On 25 and 26 February 2023, a dinghy coming from Turkey broke up off the coast of Steccato di Cutro, due to rough seas. Of the 250 people on board, 72 died and many are missing.
Conclusions
The beauties of Steccato di Cutro and its millenary past make it a unique place in the world. However, the tragedy of 2023 has highlighted the fragility of these places, and the need to protect and enhance them as best as possible. We will never forget the victims of that shipwreck, and we will do our best to ensure the safety of all those who approach the beauty of this enchanting coast.
