Oriolo
Welcome to Oriolo, Ancient Fortress of Calabria
Oriolo, also known as Rijùuë in the local dialect, is a town in the province of Cosenza, Calabria. This ancient fortress was built as a refuge for citizens fleeing from Saracen raids from the coasts. Today, the town preserves the medieval village and the Aragonese castle, as well as the facades of noble palaces. In this article, we will give you a complete guide to Oriolo, covering its physical geography and history.
Physical Geography
Oriolo can be reached via the Strada statale 481 della Valle del Ferro, a newly built highway that connects the town to the Jonic Coast in just 10 minutes. From the south, one must take the motorway at Amendolara and continue for 22 km. Those arriving from the north (Strada statale 653 della Valle del Sinni) must instead take the Strada statale 92 dell'Appennino meridionale at the height of the Diga di Monte Cotugno before joining the Strada statale 481 della Valle del Ferro that leads to Oriolo. The town is also connected to Amendolara and Cersosimo by bus.
Oriolo is an excellent base for excursions in the Valle del Ferro, the Valle del Sinni, and the Massiccio del Pollino mountain range, which includes Mount Pollino, Raganello Gorges, and Alessandria del Carretto.
Etymology
The name Oriolo derives from ''hordeolus'', meaning 'barley grain'. This etymology was identified by the philologist Gerhard Rohlfs.
History
From Ancient Times to the Early Middle Ages
The Greek historian Strabo mentions the Siri river during the war between the Tarantini, who recruited the Macedonian king Alexander the Molossian. The "kastron" of Oriolo was on the ancient road that crosses Lagaria, Serra Maiori, the territory of Oriolo, up to Sibari, beyond the Pollino, and the Acalandro valley. The current fortified town was built to defend against Muslim invasions, including those of Abbas Ibn Fadhl, Ludovico II, and Nicephorus Phocas. Another fierce invasion was that of Ibrahim Ibn Ahmed, who destroyed Calabria, especially along the coast. According to Giorgio Toscano's "History of Oriolo" (1695), the coastal populations retreated "under the rock" of Oriolo to avoid destruction by the infidels.
From the Middle Ages to Modernity Oriolo was a fief of the Sanseverino of Salerno, before passing to the Marchese Pignone del Carretto in the sixteenth century.
Conclusion
Oriolo is a town full of history and worth exploring, with its medieval architecture and spectacular view of the Ferro valley. It is also an excellent base for excursions in the Massiccio del Pollino mountain range and the surrounding valleys. Do not miss the opportunity to visit this ancient fortress in the province of Cosenza, Calabria.
