San Giorgio Morgeto Castle

Castle ruin with a wonderful view of the Gioia Tauro plain and the Thyrhennian Sea

Angevin Norman Castle
Probably built in the pre-Norman age, around the 9th-10th century. AD, the sumptuous Morgezio Castle dominates the entire plain of Gioia Tauro and its majesty is visible from the entire surrounding area. According to legend, inhabited by King Morgete, a descendant of the Enotria lineage, this bastion made the entire town impregnable, according to the historian-theologian Domenico Cangemi, during the Saracen invasions. There is historical information of its existence since 1269, the last Swabian period of which it reflects the typical defensive architecture. There are also numerous documents from the Angevin age that report news of it. The defensive system is still visible, consisting of a wall with access doors and circular towers, whose grandiose remains stand out on the top of the hill. At various altitudes, there are environments of different shapes and functions, while at the top of the complex, on a spur of granite rock, there is the central body of the keep, the donjon, which had defensive and residential functions. Two levels are recognizable, each consisting of three rooms, and there was probably a third floor. The analysis of the structures has highlighted several subsequent construction phases to which a large tank belongs. Thanks to its deliberate location on a rock, its remains can be visited throughout the year also thanks to the care with which the competent authorities manage the entire surrounding natural park.