Simeri
Discovering Sìmeri Crichi, a town rich in history and natural beauty
Welcome to Sìmeri Crichi, a town in the province of Catanzaro that stretches between the Sila Mountains and the Ionian Sea coast. This small town of about 4,731 inhabitants, of Byzantine origin, is made up of three distinct urban settlements, Simeri, Crichi, and Simeri Mare. The municipal territory is characterized by a flat altitude profile towards the sea and hilly in the hinterland, making this town a delightful place to visit.
The physical geography of Sìmeri Crichi
The natural beauty of Sìmeri Crichi is due to the characteristics of the territory, which is bathed by the Ionian Sea with about ten kilometers of wide beach included in the municipal boundaries. Within the municipal territory, there is also the Simeri river and the Alli river, which cross the town to the east and west respectively. Sìmeri is located at 299 meters above sea level, Crichi is the municipal seat and is located at 465 meters above sea level, while Simeri Mare is located near the sea.
Origins of the name and the history of the town
Originally, the name of the town was "Symari", a Greek term which derives from one of the two rivers that delimit the territorial border, the Simeri river. Over time, the term "Crichi" was added, from the Greek "Krikos" or from the Latin "Ocris", which means "rocky mountain".
The history of Sìmeri Crichi is linked to the Byzantine Empire, which fortified the inhabited perimeter. In the sixteenth century, the territory of Sìmeri Crichi was owned by Duke Ignazio Barretta belonging to the Duchy of Simeri. Later it passed to the Borgias until 1622, to the Ravaschieri, already princes of Satriano, to the De Fiore, to the Barreta Gonzaga, and to the De Nobili, who remained there until the elimination of feudalism. Sìmeri is the oldest medieval village, and in this area, a series of artifacts from the first half of the Iron Age and the Magna Graecia period have been unearthed. Crichi, on the other hand, was founded in the second half of the eighteenth century by a group of farmers from Sellia.
Monuments and places of interest in Sìmeri Crichi
One of the most important monuments in Sìmeri Crichi is the ruin of the Byzantine castle, likely built in the 10th century AD. It is a very suggestive construction, located on an isolated rocky spur from the oldest part of the town, witness to the centuries of history that have characterized the territory.
Sìmeri Crichi is also famous for being the birthplace of the Greek-Calabrian monk Bartolomeo di Simeri, founder of the famous Abbey of Santa Maria del Patire in Rossano, founded near the town of Crichi.
The church of San Nicola, located in the main square of the town, is another of the most important attractions to visit. The building, of sixteenth-century origin, has undergone numerous modifications and expansions over the centuries, becoming the most important place of worship in Sìmeri. The church of San Nicola has a gabled facade, with a Romanesque portal, in gray stone, dating back to 1482.
Conclusions
Sìmeri Crichi is a place that, thanks to its historical and natural beauty, can offer unique emotions to those who visit it. The millenary history of the town, the natural beauties, and the ancient monuments make Sìmeri Crichi a truly special place. Come visit us and discover the magic of this enchanting place!
