Sant'Agata di Esaro
Welcome to Sant'Agata di Esaro: a treasure amidst the Calabrian Mountains
Hello everyone! Are you ready to discover another hidden gem of Calabria? Today I'm taking you to Sant'Agata di Esaro, a small town of almost 1700 inhabitants located in the province of Cosenza. Hidden amidst the mountains of the Calabrian Apennines, this ancient village offers breathtaking landscapes and a fascinating history.
Physical Geography: A Cliff on the Esaro River
Sant'Agata is located 461 meters above sea level, on a cliff overlooking the Esaro River, one of the most important in the area. This river is also fed by the Forge, the Esaro's largest tributary, and forms an artificial lake in Roggiano Gravina. The landscape is dominated by the mountain ranges of the Calabrian Apennines, which surround the town in the shape of a tiara. Among these mountains are also some high peaks, such as Monte (1825 m.) and Monte La Caccia (1744 m.).
History: Between Monks and Conquerors
The city has a very interesting history. There are several theories about its foundation, but it seems that its name derives from the devotion that some monks had for Saint Agatha, martyr of Catania. It is believed that these monks were forced to settle in northern Calabria after the Muslim conquest of Sicily in the 8th century. However, some sources maintain that Sant'Agata was founded by the Greeks around the 8th or 6th century BC.
The first historical sources date back to 1075, when Sant'Agata was occupied by the Normans. Later, it became a fief of the Abbey of Santa Maria del Sagittario, with the ratification of Emperor Frederick II of Swabia in the 12th century.
Sant'Agata played an important role in the socio-economic structure of the possessions under monastic jurisdiction and was a center of study, ingenuity and art, which was expressed in the Basilian monasteries of La Mula. In the past, the city had a busy life of modest industries, wood processing, yarns, silk and much more.
What to See in Sant'Agata di Esaro: From Churches to Woods
Sant'Agata di Esaro is not only a city rich in history, but also a place to discover for those who love nature and culture. Here are some attractions not to be missed:
- Church of San Giovanni Battista: a magnificent 17th-century church, with a baroque bell tower and a nave entirely frescoed.
- Church of the Immaculate: another baroque church from the 17th century, with a simple but elegant facade and an interior decorated with stucco and paintings.
- Bosco di Selva: a nature reserve that extends over more than 1100 hectares of woods, streams and waterfalls. Here you can take long walks immersed in nature and admire all the beauty of the local fauna and flora.
- The historic center: a walk through the alleys of Sant'Agata will allow you to admire the stone houses, fountains and small squares, testimonies of a bygone era.
- The Norman Castle: a fortress that dominates the city, built by the Normans in the 11th century.
How to Get to Sant'Agata di Esaro: Provincial Road 263
If you want to visit Sant'Agata di Esaro, you can take the provincial road 263 ex SS 105 of Castrovillari. This road will lead you to the heart of the municipality and allow you to admire the spectacular landscapes of the area. You can also reach Sant'Agata by train, Roggiano Gravina-Sant'Agata stop, or by bus, with several lines departing from the Castrovillari station.
Conclusion
Sant'Agata di Esaro is a hidden treasure amidst the Calabrian Mountains. This ancient village offers not only a fascinating history, but also breathtaking landscapes, nature reserves and baroque churches. A place to discover for those who love culture and nature. Come visit Sant'Agata di Esaro and let yourself be conquered by its beauty!
