Locri
is on the sea (a resort) and has the remains (Scavi di Locri)
of an ancient Greek city (Lokroi Epizephyrioi/Epizefiri).
Here you’ll find the remains of a temple, some town walls,
a theatre and the Santuario di Persephone. This was the first
town to have a written code of law. Visit the Museo to
see the artifacts from this site. I especially like it here because
most tourists don’t come here…..
When
disease and raiding pirates hit the Locrian coast in the 8th
century, the locals took to the hills and founded Gerace.
Gerace is a well-preserved medieval hill town with a 12th
century castle that is well preserved. The town also has one of
the largest Romanesque cathedrals in Calabria (11th
century) — up in town. As a matter of fact, the columns in
the church are from a temple at Locri. The treasury/Tesoro
has some interesting artifacts including a cross from Constantinople.
The Chiesa di San Francesco has a 17th century
altarpiece and is a lovely church. The castle (12th
century) is also worth a visit. Do stop in to these Byzantine
churches: San Giovannello (12th century),
Oratorio dell’Addolorata, Santa Maria del Maestro and
Santa Maria del Monserrato.
A
stop in Canolo is a must for those who are visiting Locri
and Gerace. It is a perfectly untouched village…so rustic,
so charming…….pop in here for lunch.