サンジョルジョモルゲトの洞窟・トップ4

Grotteria, a small Calabrian jewel, was born around a temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva, known as Eruma Atenaies between the 8th and 9th centuries BC. It became Crypta-Aurea under the emperor Hadrian due to the gold reserves in the area, and underwent Locrian, Byzantine, Norman and Swabian domination. Marked by earthquakes, it has a rich architectural history, from churches to noble palaces, such as Palazzo Lupis.

The whole village is worth a visit and the climb to the castle offers an exceptional view but only after having enjoyed the very fresh water that flows from the fountains of the village and above all from the "beautiful" fountain

The castle was probably built in the 7th century AD, its existence is attested as early as the 10th century AD when it was devastated by the Byzantines together with the city. With the arrival of the Normans around 1050, it was restructured and fortified. In the following centuries it suffered the devastation of several catastrophic earthquakes.

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.

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

Probably built during the 7th century AD , with the coming of the Normans, around 1050, it was renovated and fortified. In the following centuries it suffered the devastations of some catastrophic earthquakes. A large tower and a few walls remain of it, partly obtained from the rock and partly rising sheer above the surrounding ravines.