Mesoraca
Welcome to Mesoraca, among the beauties of Calabria
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Mesoraca, a beautiful town located in the province of Crotone, in Calabria. With its just under 6,000 inhabitants, Mesoraca extends over an area of approximately 60 km², from northwest to southeast.
Mesoraca: among the mountains of Sila Piccola
The physical geography of Mesoraca is characterized by a low part, called "marina", made up of flat and hilly terrain, and a high part, characterized by peaks that reach up to 1,765 meters above sea level. The town is located at the foot of Mount Giove, in Sila Piccola, and is crossed by two watercourses: Vergari and Reazio, both tributaries of the Tacina river. Mesoraca also includes a hamlet, Filippa, where the sanctuary of SS. Ecce Homo and the church of San Michele Arcangelo are located.
From Mesorachìon to Mesoraca: the evolution of the name
Mesoraca has undergone several name changes throughout its history: from Mesorachìon, which meant "land between two rivers", to Mesoreacium, until arriving at the current Mesoraca. According to some scholars, the name Mesoraca derives from Messurgus, which means "happy" and probably refers to the singers who lived in the area. Others, instead, think that the name derives from Messorius, "god of the harvest", due to the abundance of products of the territory.
Mesoraca: its ancient history
According to historians' reconstructions, Mesoraca was founded by the Enotri in 1600 BC and called Reatium. Later, it was inhabited by Greeks and Romans. Local historian Andrea Fico, in his eighteenth-century book, claimed to have found the remains of two temples: one dedicated to Jupiter, near the homonymous mountain, and one dedicated to Venus Amatunzia, on the hill of "Matuntiu".
Mesoraca: between nature and spirituality
Mesoraca is a place of great natural interest, thanks to its position at the foot of Sila Piccola. You will find yourself in the midst of forests, rivers, and mountains. An ideal place for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Furthermore, thanks to the presence of the sanctuary of SS. Ecce Homo and the church of San Michele Arcangelo, Mesoraca is also a place of spirituality.
Conclusions
In short, Mesoraca is an extraordinary town, with unspoiled nature and a millennial history. I hope I have intrigued you enough to visit it at least once in your life. I assure you that you will not regret it!
