Sersale
The Natural Beauty of Sersale
Located in the region of Calabria, the municipality of Sersale is renowned for its natural beauty, especially for the Regional Natural Reserve of Valli Cupe. Here you will find canyons, waterfalls, monoliths, and ancient trees that represent some of Italy's most fascinating natural wonders. The Canyon Valli Cupe is known throughout Europe for its exceptionally rare bulbiferous fern, which is a unique attraction. Other canyons of great importance are Melissano, Inferno, Gole del Crocchio, Catoie-Barbaro, and Raga. The tallest monolith is Pietra Aggiallu, which stands approximately 18 meters tall, while the ancient trees include Gigante Buono, Gigante Greco, and i Giganti di Cavallopoli. Among the numerous waterfalls, the most notable are the Campanaro, Rupe, Allori, Salice, Muschi, Chiusa, Chiusetta, Rovetto, San Basile, Crocchio, Cavallopoli, and Inferno waterfalls, with their deep gorges and impressive oriental planes.
Origin of the Name Sersale
The municipality of Sersale was named after the Sersale family, a Neapolitan and Sorrentine patrician family of great historical importance. The village was founded on August 3, 1620, when 13 colonists from Serrastretta received part of Baron Don Francesco Sersale's fiefdom of Zagarise in exchange for a perpetual lease and decided to call their settlement "Sersale."
The History of Sersale
A few years after its foundation, the village attracted dozens and dozens of families, mainly from Serrastretta and Scigliano. The area where Sersale now stands was already inhabited by shepherds from Reventino, and it seems that two buildings of the current historic center already existed in 1538.
The history of the territory of Sersale has roots dating back to the Greek and Roman periods, as evidenced by archaeological excavations in the Borda and Marina di Sersale sites. There are also sporadic findings of prehistoric remains of certain relevance.
The territory of Sersale boasts numerous monuments, churches, and historic sites of great importance dating back to the medieval period. Among them, the Italo-Greek Monasteries of the Saints Three Youths, Santa Maria della Sana, and San Nicola stand out. The latter was transformed into a castle in the 13th century by order of Frederick II of Swabia.
The Monastery of the Saints Three Youths hosted Pope Honorius III for a certain period in 1217. In the locality of Monacaria, there was the important Florensi Monastery of Santa Maria d'Acquaviva, built in 1194 by Gioacchino da Fiore with his disciple Pietro da Cosenza. Although few traces remain, it was considered one of the most important Florentine monasteries of the Sila massif.
Conclusion
Sersale is a municipality in the province of Catanzaro that stands out for its natural beauty and fascinating history. The Regional Natural Reserve of Valli Cupe is an unmissable destination for hikers, nature lovers, and photography enthusiasts. The history of the territory and its monuments dating back to the medieval period is equally interesting for visitors who want to discover the roots of Calabrian culture and tradition. Come to Sersale and let yourself be conquered by its natural beauty and fascinating history.
