Capo Rizzuto
Discover Isola di Capo Rizzuto, a gem in Calabria
Isola di Capo Rizzuto is a municipality located in the province of Crotone, in Calabria, with a population of around 17,000 inhabitants. The city is famous for its natural beauty, enchanting beaches, and historical artifacts.
Physical geography
Isola di Capo Rizzuto is situated on the eastern coast of Calabria, with the splendid Ionian coast to the southwest and the Gulf of Squillace to the northeast. The territory of Isola di Capo Rizzuto extends over approximately 70 km² and includes the following localities: Capo Piccolo, Capo Rizzuto, Le Castella, Le Cannella, Marinella, Sovereto, and Sant'Anna.
Etymology
The name Isola di Capo Rizzuto was given by the island that sits in front of the town, surrounded by the waters of the Mediterranean. The name Capo Rizzuto, on the other hand, comes from Greek and means "red promontory."
History
The origins of Isola di Capo Rizzuto date back to ancient Magna Graecia, but the city experienced its greatest growth during the medieval period. In the 13th century, it became a lordship under the jurisdiction of the Angevins, and later control passed to the feudal lords, among which the name of the Ricca family, of Neapolitan origin, stands out.
Monuments and points of interest
Isola di Capo Rizzuto is a city rich in historical monuments, churches, and medieval ruins.
The village of Isola houses the remains of the Feudal Castle, a fortified complex dating back to the sixteenth century, which was expanded by the Neapolitan feudal lord Giovanni Antonio Ricca. There are also the spurred towers and the perimeter curtain walls with pivot stones. The Clock Tower is the entrance to the medieval village, surmounted by the rear clock tower, dividing the ancient area from the modern center.
The Mother Church, also known as the Cathedral, dates back to the Baroque period. The facade is imposing with a portal alongside the episcopal coat of arms, while the interior houses the eighteenth-century choir and the famous Greek Madonna painted on canvas.
In Le Castella, a hamlet of Isola di Capo Rizzuto, there is a fortress built on a small peninsula on the sea. The castle was built to counter frequent invasions. The fortress was strategically important for the defense of the Ionian coasts and is located on Punta Cannone, where large quarries of Greek column rocks were identified.
Another important point of reference is the Old Tower, a cylindrical tower from the sixteenth century, built to defend the coastline against barbarian incursions. The sanctuary of the Greek Madonna, on the other hand, is an emblematic place of worship where the Protector of Isola di Capo Rizzuto is celebrated.
Finally, on the promontory of Capo Piccolo, there is an important settlement of Early Bronze Age 2 and Middle Bronze Age 1-2. Among the findings, the fragments of Minoan-Mycenaean pottery stand out as among the oldest ever found in Italy.
Conclusions
Isola di Capo Rizzuto is a gem in Calabria that offers nature lovers, history and religion enthusiasts a unique spectacle. Thanks to its geographical location, the town enjoys a Mediterranean climate, a marvelous coast, and a wide range of food and wine offerings that include the flavors of Calabrian tradition. Isola di Capo Rizzuto is a tourist destination not to be missed for those who want to discover the beauties of Italy.
