|
Calabria: Rossano
Rossano
looks out over the Ionian Sea….it sits in the hills filled
with olive groves. Don’t be confused — there seem to
be 3 very different Rossanos: The one at the sea — Lido
Sant’Angelo; the inland town — Rossano Scalo;
and the original old town — Rossano. Rossano is known
as the "Byzantine Pearl of Calabria"….it
was a Byzantine empire for centuries and was the birthplace of
St. Nilo (a Byzantine monk). You’ll see evidence of this
Byzantine heritage in the old town….do check out the Cattedrale
di San Marco, the Chiesa di Panaglia (12th
century), the Chiesa di San Bernardino, the Cattedrale
di Achiropita and the monastery (Patirion — 11th
century) to see the Byzantine "touches" in town and
in the area. The town was once a refuge for monks (Basilian) who
sought relief from persecution. They lived in cells that still
exist and can be seen today. The Cattedrale di San Marco
(Byzantine origin/5th to 9th centuries and
remodeled several times) has a fabulous 9th century
fresco of the Madonna. Right next door to the cathedral is the
Museo Diocesano that has a 6th century codex
(Purpureus Codex) containing the gospels of St. Matthew and St.
Mark — called the Purpureus because of the brilliant purple
parchment they are printed on. The St. Angelo Castle dates
to 1543 and is well worth a visit. Take time to walk the streets
of town — especially the well-preserved historic center.
Markets are on the 2nd and 4th Friday
of each month.
|
|