Petilia Policastro
Welcome to Petilia Policastro
Hello everyone! Today I want to talk to you about Petilia Policastro, a municipality in the province of Crotone in Calabria. The town is home to 8,620 inhabitants in an almost entirely mountainous territory dominated by Mount Gariglione. The main urban center is located in the high basin of the Tacina river on a rocky spur on the eastern slope of Mount Petto di Mandra.
Origin of the Name
The name of this town is ancient and derives from the Byzantine Greek Πολυκάστρον, which was preserved until 1863 with the addition of the name "Petilia". This was due to the opinion of the time that Policastro occupied the site of the ancient Italic city, then Greek colony, Brettia, and finally Roman municipality of Petelia, which was located near present-day Strongoli. It is not certain whether the composition of the toponym derives from the meaning of a fortified city or place.
History of Petilia Policastro
Petilia Policastro is an ancient village, probably of Byzantine origin. Human presence dates back to the Paleolithic, as evidenced by the discovery of some stone weapons. Traces of Bruzi settlements dating back to the 4th century BC and 3rd century BC have been found in its territory. Along the Tacina and Soleo rivers, artifacts from the Roman and late empire eras have been found.
But the most important archaeological finds date back to the Ancient and Middle Bronze Ages, to the Calabrian facies of Capo Piccolo, as revealed by investigations carried out under the scientific direction of Domenico Marino. The artifacts found are exhibited at the National Archaeological Museum of Crotone and date back to the first half of the 2nd millennium BC. Presumably, the two bronze axes, together with a dagger that unfortunately was lost, made up the burial kit of a high-ranking person.
Archaeological excavations have also been carried out in the locality of Foresta, during the construction of the Polo Scolastico. Here, remains of a small rural building from the late Hellenistic period, dating back to the 3rd century BC, were found.
What to See in Petilia Policastro
Petilia Policastro is a place rich in history, and it is possible to visit various archaeological sites, such as the Archaeological Park of Crotone, a few kilometers away. Among the religious buildings, the Church of San Nicola di Bari stands out, built on an ancient chapel from the 12th century. Also worth seeing are the Church of Santa Maria in Locus, built on a pre-existing Norman chapel, and the Church of the Madonna di Loreto, located in a panoramic position on the highest part of the town.
But perhaps the real treasure of Petilia Policastro is nature. The surrounding area is great for hiking or cycling, through beech and black pine forests. You can take a walk in the Sila National Park and reach Lake Ampollino, with a breathtaking view of the mountains and lakes of the area.
Local Cuisine
Finally, let's talk about something we all love: food! Calabrian cuisine is famous for its simplicity and authenticity, thanks to the preparation of high-quality local products. In Petilia Policastro, you can taste typical dishes of Calabrian culinary tradition, such as pasta with 'nduja from Spilinga, the famous Calabrian sausage, or maccheroni with ricotta cheese and tomato sauce.
For the more demanding palates, there are also artisanal cured meats and cheeses from the area, such as pecorina di Tumminia, a seasoned and savory sheep cheese, or giuncata, a fresh cheese made with cow's milk. And to finish your meal in style, don't forget to try the walnut and honey cake, a typical dessert from the area.
Conclusion
So here is Petilia Policastro, a beautiful Calabrian municipality rich in history and nature, with tasty and authentic cuisine. If you enjoy hiking and love the peace and tranquility of the countryside, this is the place for you. I recommend booking a trip for a few days and discovering all the wonders of this special place. Happy travels!
