Lazzaro
Welcome to Lazzàro, a charming ancient village
Welcome to Lazzàro, a small village in the municipality of Motta San Giovanni in the province of Reggio Calabria. Lazzàro is a place of great historical and archaeological interest, located along the coast, about 10 km from the town center. Its territorial boundary extends from the Cambareri stream (to the north) to the Riace stream (to the south), just after Capo d'Armi. Below I will talk about its history, archaeology, and characteristic activities of this beautiful place.
The history of Lazzàro
In Greek and Roman times, Lazzàro was called "Leucopetra," meaning "white stone," a name related to the color of the nearby promontory of Capo d'Armi. It was also mentioned by Cicero, who stopped in Lazzàro while fleeing from Rome in 43 BC. The village was invaded by the Visigoths and later moved to the hilly areas. Economic and social recovery occurred under the Byzantine Empire. In 1908, an earthquake destroyed Lazzàro and it was rebuilt a few kilometers upstream of the old village. Since then, the village has been the scene of important historical events.
The archaeology of Lazzàro
Lazzàro is famous for being a place of great archaeological interest. In particular, in Lia, a Roman villa belonging to Publio Valerio, an important patrician of the time who hosted Cicero fleeing from Rome, was discovered. Moreover, numerous traces of the presence of the early Christians were found in Capo dell'Armi. Here, remains of a proto-Christian necropolis, a burial inscription of Paul of Tarsus, and a brick with the inscription "Bibas ad Deo" were discovered. In addition, a Menorah lamp, the seven-branched Jewish candelabrum, was discovered, evidence of a possible Jewish community in the area.
The activities of Lazzàro
Lazzàro was an important tourist destination from the 1970s to the 1980s, but today the most representative activities are related to the brick sector and restaurant activities. In the past, the harvesting of jasmine and bergamot was widespread, but currently this practice is in decline. However, it is possible to taste the typical products of Calabrian cuisine in local restaurants and enjoy the beauty of the coast adorned with crystal-clear waters.
In summary, Lazzàro is a small village but rich in history, art, and culture. It is a perfect location for those who want to discover the evidence of the past, but also for those who want to taste the culinary delights and enjoy the beauty of the Calabrian Tyrrhenian coast. Come and discover the legend and ancient charm of this place that will leave you speechless.
